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Jun 07, 2021
I found this book an absorbing portrayal of both historical and contemporary NZ culture. Focused on the extremely disturbing history of the pacifist Moriori, the author weaves the strands of different times together to enlighten the reader of historical horrors of genocide and slavery that began in 1835 when mainland tribes invaded Rekohu/ Chatham Islands. By breathing life into the story through characters that connect with Moriori, Maori and Pakeha the author is able to deliver a fair and balanced perspective on a misunderstood and historically misrepresented time and people. In doing so she provides a clearer and more truthful view of an important "hotspot" of NZ history.