At its simplest , this is a story of three lost and despairing individuals coming together; Kerewin, a struggling artist; Joe, a Māori factory worker; and Simon, an autistic six-year-old orphan boy. The setting on the wild coast of New Zealand is also integral to the story. At a more complex level it is poetry, myth, legend and mystery.
Those who enjoy being completely lost in a story, characters, imagery — and those who like to learn and be challenged. It is not for the faint hearted: There is pain, violence and sadness, and at times the writing style can be difficult to read.
This book just knocked my socks off! I was completely
engrossed. I was amazed by the beautiful flowing descriptions of the bush and
the beach — I could feel the wind on my face and smell the salt air. The characters' pain was so real, I was
desperate for them to find their way through. It
was almost a physical reaction and certainly a spiritual reaction.
This book requires
focus, thought and concentration to read, but it is worth the effort. I didn’t know where the
story was going to take me but the words just engulfed me. The whole book is a
journey in love, people, pain and understanding. I could feel the essence of
Aotearoa.
There’s even humour just when you need it.
I don't have one. Read this book — it will change you!
