This is a thoroughly New Zealand story. Told in various voices this story explores the difficulties of growing up part Maori, part Pakeha and part Moriori. These three cultures were all in conflict with each other in the 1880's which is where part of the story is set. Then it jumps a few generations to the present where descendants of mixed race, Lula and Bigs, are trying to come to terms with the actions of their violent forefathers.
Some of the story takes place in New Zealand and some on the Chatham Islands.
It was very interesting to read of this part of history, I was unfamiliar with the invasion by Maori of the Chathams and of the consequent enslavement of the Moriori and their transferal to the mainland.
Makereti knows her stuff, and has an interesting style, which took me a bit to get used to, but in the end proved a very good vehicle for telling this story.
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