“Following on from book one of the Kawai series and the story of legendary warrior Kaitanga, it’s time to hear of Hine-aue, the granddaughter of Kaitanga, on the East Coast of Te Ika-a-Maui Aotearoa…”
Book Two of the Kawai series reads like a direct experience from the tribal lands of East Coast North Island in the years leading up to the signing of The Waitangi Treaty. Geographical descriptions, conversations with translation, explanations of traditions, customs and practices give an authentic cultural immersion that transports you to the early to mid 1800s.
In 1981, a young man and his grand-uncle koroua saddle up to head into bushland near their whanau marae and once again, the young-unamed-man hears the stories of his ancestors. He builds his knowledge and understanding of his own history with this pilgrimage and partakes in the privilege to hear of his direct lineage.
The storytelling moves from the legendary warrior Kaitanga from the first book Kawai – For Such A Time As This, it’s time to hear of Hine-aue, the granddaughter of Kaitanga, on the East Coast of Te Ika-a-Maui Aotearoa – North Island New Zealand in 1818.
Hine asserts her character with a strong presence and steadfastness that is needed as the musket wars erupt. A new killing tool that requires Hine’s people to respond alike and gain muskets for protection too.
As a strong matriarch of her family, she needs to adapt customary practice but stay true to cultural beliefs. As new generations arise and contact with British missionaries increase, Hine finds her inner resolve to resist the challenges as the guardian of great taonga and teachings but there is tension and a battle for the minds and spirit of her people.
Hine’s character is the spine of Kawai and anchors the genuine historical narrative delivered by Dr Monty Soutar.
Sue Reid
Read By Reid NZ
Bateman Publishers
ISBN 9781776890729