Once Were Warriors

Once Were Warriors by Alan Duff

I watched the movie Once Were Warriors years ago and was terrified and shocked. Finally mustering the courage to read the book, I was transformed by the love, care, empathy, and anguish it evoked in me. The movie did not do it justice at all; the book was so much better.

Jake and his wife Beth are Maoris, living with their kids in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood in New Zealand. Domestic violence, alcoholism, and gangs are daily realities. One child is lost to a gang, another to foster care. Things go from bad to worse.

The loss of culture is central to this situation, spoken of with such empathy that it breaks your heart. I didn't pick up on this in the film, as the violence was so in your face. As someone from white culture, seeing this consequence of cultural loss from a different perspective brought me closer to understanding the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.

It's a true classic, with incisive understanding and empathy. The book ends with great optimism and pride in Maori strength. I found it enlightening, shifting my perspective.

I appreciate how it made me think and understand things I've never faced or considered deeply. It speaks to the triumphant human spirit. The characters endure and survive in their grimy, loveless, unkind world, yet the spirit triumphs.

I believe teenagers, New Zealanders, indeed all of us, should read this book. However, only those who can handle lots of swearing and despairing events will manage it. It's a truly amazing and ultimately uplifting classic. I would also recommend listening to the eAudiobook first, then watching the movie!

Find Once Were Warriors in the library catalogue

Jennifer