Pounamu Pounamu

I first became acquainted with Witi Ihimaera through the film adaptation on his book "Whale Rider". Years later, I watched another film adaptation of his novel "Nights in Gardens of Spain". While I have not watched "White Lies" yet, another film adaptation of one of his short stories, this is when I decided to give his books a try. I went for this collection of short stories, first published in the 1970's, and I loved it.I have never been a fan of short story collections. However, these stories are all linked, and this gave the book the cohesion I seldom find in short story collections. "Nostalgic" is the first word that comes to my mind when I think of this book. Nostalgia for a culture that it is gradually disappearing: the Maori culture. "In Search of the Emerald City", "Fire on Greenstone" and "The Whale" are fine examples of this. Some stories are also funny, though. "The Makutu on Mrs Jones", "The Other Side of the Fence" and "One Summer Morning" are three of the best stories with a funny twist.For me, a peek into different aspects of Maori life is what I enjoyed most about this book. However, I gave it four stars, instead of five, because the stories were peppered with one too many words in Maori. These Maori words and phrases gave the story flavor, and most of them, I was able to infer, either out of context or because their translation came on the bext sentence. Some other words, I was not able to understand, and while they didn't keep me from understanding and enjoying the book, I do wish a glossary had been included.I soon will be reading "Whale Rider" and "Nights in the Gardens of Spain", which I hope are as good, or even better, as this debut work by Witi Ihimaera.

I move in the Maori. I feel a bit of what they are. It is hard to come back to now and here. I want to go to New Zealand. I want to see and listen. Another culture, so very different from my own. Not at all like I am. I suppose that's what makes it so fascinating. How can one be Maori and yet be a part of the new New Zealand? What does it mean to be of an original culture in any country? Maoirness is all around me, it makes me sad in a gentle sort of way. Can one wrap oneself in a first culture and move in a new one? How difficult that must be. These stories are so absorbing...

An in depth insight as by an accurate fleeting glimpse into the on going NZ North Island East Coast 1960's transhumance to Wellington, recording the effects on the local people, wherever they were in the equation. In so doing we are given a unique warts and all insight into Taha Maori values mannerisms perhaps best summed in To Play a Game of Cards, and the more distally in The Hockey tourney. Ihimaera has forever endeared to us his lovely Nannies via that card game. Other stories outline the unfairness of living in a predominantly Pakeha environ cut off from traditional support including Kaimoana and kai of Te Marae as well as family kinship. Well worth the read as a succession of montages at a competitive price.

Witi Ihaimaera, one of New Zealand's first Maori novelists, makes reading effortless. The dialogue, the humour, the common - but often significant - life events, are richly described. You get a sense of the aroha in the stories. This anniversary edition adds commentary from the author about the short stories, written retrospectively.

Enjoyable and informative.

Easy to read but fascinating and informative;I really appreciated the commentary at the end of each story too! Great book.