Not only is the revelation of the community important, but the impact the realisation has on Beth demonstrates her own character. For Beth Heke their absence seems to represent the apathy she sees in her community. For me, books are a means to grow, to solve my problems and a way to explore the world beyond my own. When reading the novel I found the opening passage incredibly impactful. The thought struck her like one of Jake’s punches, dunno why.” “.it occurred to Beth that her own house – no, not just her own house but every house she’d ever been in – was bookless. I love reading books that evoke strong emotions and this one didn’t fail! Not only is the book focused on a deep family tragedy but also deals with how people relate and fit into their communities – asking the question, what can we do when our communities become self-destructive?
Once Were Warriors is a tragic portrayal of Maori communities in New Zealand however, as with any tragedy there is a catharsis in the form of Beth Heke and a hope for community to re-build itself. Dealing with the consequences of poverty the novel explores themes such as alcoholism, pride, shame, unemployment, apathy and abuse. In this novel we follow the lives of the Heke family on their social housing estate of Pine Block. Our Read of the Week comes recommended by our Reading Resources Intern Drew, who shares her thoughts on Alan Duff's Once Were Warriors.
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