This Pakeha Life
Jones, AlisonWhat does it mean to be Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand? In this engaging memoir, educator Alison Jones attempts to answer this question. Examining her life, from a childhood moving around the North Island, to her immersion in academia and close association with Maori scholars, this is a relatable story of an open and honest search for identity.
Supported with a glossary and end notes, this 'unsettled memoir' offers much food for thought, and an opportunity to consider one's own place in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pages
228
228
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
12-01-2024
Fantastic book. We all enjoyed and learnt something.
18-12-2023
We all enjoyed this read....honest, challenging, and thought-provoking. Inspired great discussions about our own histories and identities, and current affairs.
13-10-2023
An insightful and honest personal exploration into their identity and relationship with Maori. A recommended read.
13-09-2023
This was a book that led to a huge discussion. Half loved it and thought it was honest, thought provoking and insightful - a 'must read' for all Pakeha. Others thought it was weak, not a real memoir and not needed - " been there, done that". The book came out as a 3, but discussion was rated as over a 5. Some of us were going to buy it to continue the dialogue.
11-08-2023
Very good notes. Engendered a long and lively discussion. Some believe that Jones, at times, pushed the boundaries of the modern acceptance of the literary term 'memoir'.
03-08-2023
This book was enjoyed by almost all our group. It was such a good book for lively discussion and sharing of stories. A lovely book to read during Matariki!
26-06-2023
The book instigated an interesting and lively discussion at our meeting about how we identified with being Pakeha.
22-06-2023
The book is challenging. An unsettled life says it all. Everyone felt it was a worthwhile read but not all of us enjoyed it.
08-05-2023
Well-written. Thought provoking. Good discussion.
03-05-2023
Some of our group loved this book and made plans to meet the author - others thought it too "lecture-like", and others very concerned about the written memories being untrue and invented.
01-05-2023
This book produced some interesting discussion. Some readers felt it gave them food for thought. Others were more sceptical. Overall we felt that Alison was an unsettled human being searching for an identity which she to some extent found amongst the Maori people.
15-03-2023
It was quite explosive. Caused a bit of a stir within the group.
13-03-2023
Three of us are purchasing a copy from the publisher.
07-03-2023
Very thought provoking memoir to a group of women about the same age as the author. We were impressed by her honesty and humility in the face of complex issues in Pakeha/Maori identity, and the non-threatening way in which these were presented for the reader. It enabled each of us to address these issues in our own lives, and led to a powerful discussion about our own very diverse experiences.
16-02-2023
Well worth the read with some interesting perspectives. Some varying responses within the group.
17-11-2022
All enjoyed the book and learnt a lot.
15-09-2022
Overall the group enjoyed the book and most were pleased they had read it, as it gave them insight into the term 'Pakeha' in particular. Most refer to themselves in this way.
18-08-2022
The group enjoyed and found this book very enlightening.
11-06-2022
All of us LOVED this book. Alison writes of a past we all remember and can identify with and manages to write a memoir that keeps on the track of attempting to answer ( or at least begin the discussion of) who we are as Tangata Te Tiriti and Pkeha. Funny, engaging and thought-provoking. Five stars.