I read The Whale Rider, by Witi Ihimaera, for my book club last month. The discussion on it was rather limited, but I am so glad that I read it. Having loved the movie first, I was a bit worried that the book would be disappointing, but not so at all.
The Whale Rider is the story of Kahu, a young Maori girl, who is trying to find her place in the world. She is seeking for acceptance from her great-grandfather, who unfortunately can't get past the fact that she is a daughter instead of a son. There are themes of family traditions and community that I really liked, as well as the relationship between the community and whales. The imagery and language were incredibly beautiful, and I must say that I enjoyed the book even more than the film. Definitely two thumbs up.
4 comments:
We're going to have to agree to disagree. Here's my thoughts from 2005, which I didn't have the sense to look up before book group last week, so I could actually coherently talk about the book. :)
Melissa,
I'm okay with agreeing to disagree on the book :-) I do think you're right about the book not belonging in the youth section at the library. I don't think I would have liked it much back then.
I loved this little book when I read it. The movie was nicely done, but I didn't like it as well as the book, either.
I don't think I was in attendance at book club that day. I liked the story and would like to see the movie-same title?
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