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The Whale Rider
Ihimaera, Witi. The Whale Rider. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Inc. 2003, 150p. ISBN: 0-15-205016-7. Price: $8.00 (pb)
Witi Ihimaera (1944-present), the New Zealand born author of fiction, nonfiction, plays, and short stories is often regarded as the predominant living Maori writer. His most notable works are Tangi, Pounamu, Pounamu, and The Whale Rider. His works generally center on the modern day cultural struggles facing the Maori people. Ihimaera is a professor of Maori Literature at the University of Auckland. He was awarded the coveted Neilson BookData New Zealand Bookseller’s Choice Award for The Whale Rider. The motion picture based on this novel received the 2003 Sundance Film Festival World Cinema Audience Award, the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award, and the 2003 Rotterdam International Film Festival Canal Plus Audience Award.
Originally published in New Zealand, The Whale Rider, is an exquisitely written book filled with poetic passages connecting an ancient tribal world to the present day one. The narrator takes the reader on the cultural and familial journey of eight-year-old Kahu as she attempts to win the love of her grandfather, Koro Aspirina, while also changing ancient traditional ideals of a male dominated society. After a group of whales become beached on a local shore, many die. Kahu rides one of the few living creatures far out into the sea, finally proving to her grandfather and others that she is the one destined to lead the Maori people, linking them to the ancients, yet providing them a place in a modern, changing world. For such a succinct novel, it has many layers and much depth, making it suitable reading material for a wide audience of readers and a refreshing respite from typical YA literature. However, it remains typical in its portrayal of people as “masters” over other creatures. At times, the characters are quite stereotypical and could use development. The Maori language could be a barrier for some readers, but less so in Hawaii. The book does provide a glossary of terms in the back, which is useful. The underlying themes and motifs of personal acceptance, family conflict, and the importance of maintaining balance with nature make it a popular choice for middle school and public libraries. The updated movie cover makes it easily identifiable and enticing. Overall, this is a unique and memorable tale containing universal themes and one of a kind parables. Recommended reading for grades 5-8.
Witi Ihimaera (1944-present), the New Zealand born author of fiction, nonfiction, plays, and short stories is often regarded as the predominant living Maori writer. His most notable works are Tangi, Pounamu, Pounamu, and The Whale Rider. His works generally center on the modern day cultural struggles facing the Maori people. Ihimaera is a professor of Maori Literature at the University of Auckland. He was awarded the coveted Neilson BookData New Zealand Bookseller’s Choice Award for The Whale Rider. The motion picture based on this novel received the 2003 Sundance Film Festival World Cinema Audience Award, the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award, and the 2003 Rotterdam International Film Festival Canal Plus Audience Award.
Originally published in New Zealand, The Whale Rider, is an exquisitely written book filled with poetic passages connecting an ancient tribal world to the present day one. The narrator takes the reader on the cultural and familial journey of eight-year-old Kahu as she attempts to win the love of her grandfather, Koro Aspirina, while also changing ancient traditional ideals of a male dominated society. After a group of whales become beached on a local shore, many die. Kahu rides one of the few living creatures far out into the sea, finally proving to her grandfather and others that she is the one destined to lead the Maori people, linking them to the ancients, yet providing them a place in a modern, changing world. For such a succinct novel, it has many layers and much depth, making it suitable reading material for a wide audience of readers and a refreshing respite from typical YA literature. However, it remains typical in its portrayal of people as “masters” over other creatures. At times, the characters are quite stereotypical and could use development. The Maori language could be a barrier for some readers, but less so in Hawaii. The book does provide a glossary of terms in the back, which is useful. The underlying themes and motifs of personal acceptance, family conflict, and the importance of maintaining balance with nature make it a popular choice for middle school and public libraries. The updated movie cover makes it easily identifiable and enticing. Overall, this is a unique and memorable tale containing universal themes and one of a kind parables. Recommended reading for grades 5-8.
Submitted in April 2007 by Lorie Peralez, LIS Student, University of Hawaii at Manoa.
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