The Parihaka Woman by Witi Ihimaera

An epic story of love and war, set in Taranaki in the 1870-80s.  It follows the orphan Erenora as she grows up amidst the turbulent events at Parihaka during the Land Wars.  The residents struggle to hold on to their land as six shipfuls of immigrants arrive in the area.  After their men are taken, Erenora and the other women search the length of New Zealand to find their husbands.  The author has used the real manuscript of a Parihaka survivor’s first hand account and produced a very good story.

Reviewed by Mary at the Young at Heart Bookclub May meeting, held at Havelock North Library.


Check our library catalogue and reserve online:
The Parihaka woman by Witi Ihimaera, 2011