Fox Boy, The
Walker, PeterWalker undertook a memorable, personal journey to research the story of a young Maori boy, Ngatau Omahuru (aka William Fox junior). Omahuru was abducted during the 1860s Taranaki wars, adopted by Prime Minister William Fox, and raised as an English gentleman. The author discovered, among other things, the enmeshment of this little boy's fate with seminal events in NZ history. NZ Interest. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
Great book. Really good to learn the history of Taranaki Wars and get another opinion of what happened. Temuka 001And educational read, spoilt somewhat by the constant presence of the author. Discussion was a little short but became extremely lively. Picton 002A very controversial discussion which is what book discussion is all about. Leigh 001The group thought this book gave a different perspective on a very important period in NZ history. Not an easy/quick read but some members are intending to purchase their own copies. Tauranga 019Most of the group found it hard going - the writing style jumped about. The historical information was really interesting. Calling it the Fox Boy was a bit of trickery really, not much about him. Most of us valued the insight into Te Whiti and Parihaka especially. Auckland 230
Pages
342
342
Year
2001
2001
Reviews
05-04-2024
This was a slog in all ways. Walker tries to intertwine his story into the narrative which makes for the disconnect we had. There is no doubt, the focus on the Taranaki land grab and the role of Parihaka/Te Whiti is a period in Aotearoas history we all need to know. Walker is to be commended on the research he did. Its a pity the execution of the writing creates a barrier for the reader. It has the bones of a must read but fails in its delivery.
30-10-2020
Everyone agreed this book changed our perspective on the Maori Vs European wars. None of us realised how bad the injustices were, and how poorly Maori were treated by some unscrupulous people. As a book, most of us had difficulties past halfway, and some thought the author was rather disparaging about New Zealanders.
30-10-2020
'The Fox Boy' challenged and educated us. Left us all with the interest to read more on the subject.
30-10-2020
A very good discussion - most enjoyed the book although some found the beginning a bit slow and disjointed. All felt the Parihaka section was the best, and felt it was a story that should be more widely told.
30-10-2020
The title was misleading. The book was more about the Taranaki land grab. We found the book informative but not well-written, and feel that the author was somewhat pretentious.
30-10-2020
Informative and easy to read, although the main focus was somewhat sidelined. Good discussion participation.
30-10-2020
Although no-one in the group liked the style of the book ( a mishmash of autobiography, history and opinion), we had a lively discussion on the subject of the book and about the deficiencies of the NZ education system, and how little most of us know.
30-10-2020
Every New Zealander should read this book.
30-10-2020
This is a book that most of us were glad we read because we learned a lot, although it wasn't a favourite and in parts became tedious. General feeling was that the "abducted child" ploy was something of a cheat because we expected a human interest story rather than a history of the Land Wars. However, it was a book that stirred discussion and, in some of us, guilt at our historical ignorance!!
30-10-2020
We all realised that we had only a hazy idea of the Parihaka story; so were very interested and moved to read that - with the Fox boy's story woven through. Dick Scott's 'Ask That Mountain' is adding more detail and perspective. Our history and we should know it! All sorts of questions to ponder...
30-10-2020
A bit of a slog to start with, but worth persevering. Mixed feelings about the writing style - love or hate, not much in between. Challenging and thought provoking subject matter.
30-10-2020
Uncomfortable read but relevant to current problem at Ihumatao. Created more discussion than any other of the previous books we have read. Recommended highly.
27-05-2019
Some of our group did not finish this book. Not an easy read. Those that did thought it was very interesting and learned a lot about a disturbing time in our history.