Once Were Warriors
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Once Were Warriors
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Once Were Warriors
Once Were Warriors by Alan Duff is a New Zealand literary classic that delivers a raw and powerful portrayal of the Māori community and their struggles within New Zealand society. The novel dives deeply into the lives of the Heke family, focusing on the turbulent marriage of Jake and Beth Heke. Through their story, Duff presents a stark and unflinching narrative that sheds light on the violence, poverty, and social issues faced by many Māori families.
The family resides in a rough neighbourhood, where they are confronted by the harsh realities of alcoholism, domestic abuse, and despair. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there exists a glimmer of hope and resilience, especially embodied by Beth, who seeks to forge a better future for her children despite the overwhelming adversities.
This novel's relentless honesty and compelling voice have made it one of the most talked-about books in New Zealand. Released in the Popular Penguin format to mark 50 years of publishing in New Zealand, Once Were Warriors continues Penguin Books' tradition of providing access to intelligent and thought-provoking literature at an affordable price. This format hearkens back to 1935 when Allen Lane founded Penguin Books with a visionary belief in the existence of a vast reading public for such works.
The novel has been described as ground-breaking, original, and heart-rending. Its impact on New Zealand's literary scene has been profound, leading to a critically acclaimed film adaptation that brought the story to a global audience. The book's relevance and emotional power remain undimmed, persisting in print three decades after its initial publication.
By engaging with Once Were Warriors, readers are invited to confront difficult truths and consider the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity. This classic remains a pivotal and influential piece, offering an unvarnished glimpse into the complexities of life within the Māori community and the broader social landscape of New Zealand.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Once Were Warriors by Alan Duff is a powerful and unflinching portrayal of Māori life in New Zealand. Reviewers praise its raw, gritty narrative and strong characters, while also noting its stark depiction of violence and social issues. The book is often lauded for its emotional depth and societal critique, though some readers find its harsh reality challenging to engage with.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781776950737
Publisher: Penguin Group (NZ)
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 August 2023
Country: New Zealand
Imprint: Penguin Books (NZ)
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 16.0mm
Width: 112.0mm
Height: 180.0mm
Weight: 132g
Pages: 240
About the Author
Alan Duff was born in 1950 and lives with his wife and four children in Havelock North, New Zealand. He has published two precious novels, Once Were Warriors (also available in Vintage) and One Night Out Stealing; a novella, State Ward; and a work of non-fiction, Maori- The Crisis and the Challenge. Once Were Warriors won the PEN Best First Book for Fiction Award and was made into an internationally acclaimed film for which Alan Duff wrote the original screenplay.
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