A touching story about the emancipation of women and the connection with nature
Bewertet mit 4 Sternen
'The Whale Rider' (1987) by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera is - according to the author himself - the work of his that is accepted best by the Maori community. The novel describes the relationship and co-dependence of nature (especially the ocean and its inhabitants) and the Maori people and the need to renew this bond to keep it intact.
Tribe leader Koro Apinara won't accept that the future of his people might lay in the hands his grandson's first-born - a girl (Kahu). While all around him see the signs in Kahu's behaviour and observe her connection to the inhabitants of the sea, Koro Apinara ignores his great-grandchild and is desperately searching for signs of leadership in the boys of the village. It will take a truly dangerous and highly 'religious' action of Kahu's to show him that she is the right one to lead her generation.
The story of Kahu is told from the perspective of her uncle Rawiri. He describes the conflicts between Koro Apinara and his wife Nani Flowers and his observations of Kahu growing up. Each part of the book is introduced by a chapter about the ancient whale who carried the founder of Kahu's tribe (the 'Whale Rider'). Towards the end of the book both story lines become interwoven and thus myth and reality blend into one another. The reader observes parallels in the herd of whales and Kahu's family members, which adds a symbolic dimension to the story.
Witi Ihimaera's style is easy to follow. Many names and historical, mythological references might be confusing in the beginning, but one gets hold of the who's who as the story continues. The description of the battle 'women against men', which is conveyed through the arguments of Koro Apinara and Nani Flowers, is actually quite funny because Witi depicts Nani as very emancipated and quick-tongued. This goes so far that for me, Nani rather than Kahu, appears to be the driving power of the book. She ensures that, although the book's topic might be challenging and solemn, it's tone is light. This provides a quick read with an important lesson. Well teamed. No wonder it's standard school lecture in GB!