The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Whale Rider
Book Review: To touch magic
Summary: 4 Stars
Told by her uncle Rawiri, "The Whale Rider" tells the story of Kahu, a young girl in New Zealand struggling to find her place in her family and community. She craves the love of her great-grandfather, but he's entirely focused on the future of their tribe who don't have an elder male heir to inherit the chief's title. There's only Kahu, and her great-grandfather doesn't see the use of a girl. Kahu is strong and determined, and her destiny as the fabled whale rider is secure due to her ability to communicate with whales, but only if her tribe notice in time. This is a beautiful story about the struggles with tradition, about magic versus reality, about the status of our modern world with its racism and sad ecology.Book Review: Very disappointing--don't buy it!
Summary: 1 Stars
If you're expecting something much better than the movie (as books usually are)--forget it! The person that decided that this book would make a good movie must have had an extraodinarily good imagination. The only elements the book seems to have in common with the movie is the title, some of the character names and a very loosely similar story. Where the movie was riveting and moving, the book is boring and bland. Having stills from the movie printed on the cover and in the book, which suggests that the book and the movie are closely related must come very close to false advertising. Don't waste your money!Book Review: Whale Rider
Summary: 4 Stars
Directed by Niki CaroBased on the novel by Witi Ihimaera
Rated (PG)
Drama ... Running time: 105 minutes
Setting: Whangara New Zealand
Staring: Keisha Castle- Hughes... Pia
Rawiri Paratene... Koro
Vicky Haughton... Nanny flowers
Cliff Curtis... Porourangi
Whale Rider is a touching drama about a young Maori girl who finds and fulfils her destiny. The young girl, Paikea is rased by her grandparents in the traditional village of Whangara. Whangara is where a carving on Whitireia Meeting House commemorates the legendary Paikea, who travelled on the back of a whale. The near by island is said to be the final resting place of the whale.
Paikea is extremely inquisitive and wants to find out all she can about her ancestors and her heritage. She is extremely brave and has a spiritual connection with the sea.
Her grandfather, Koro, is the Chief of the Ngati Kanohi tribe. Koro's belief is that his first-born child, Porourangi, should become the next chief, but it becomes clear that is not to be. When Porourangi makes it clear that he does not want to become chief Koro looks towards his grandchildren. Tragically Porourangi's wife dies while giving birth to the twins and takes her son with her, leaving him with a daughter and a whole heap of heartache. Koro is disappointed that Pai, being a girl, is unable to take on the roll of chief; little does he know that this it is to be her destiny.
This movie is a heart-wrenching journey that follows Pia's determination to prove to her grandfather that she is worthy of his love and respect.
This is a magical movie and would appeal to many types of people.
The time and effort that would have gone into the making of it has made it a brilliant movie. It has been wonderfully directed and the characters were perfect for the parts they played.
Book Review: Wonderful book, even better than the movie
Summary: 5 Stars
After seeing the movie I just had to read the book. It did not disappoint. In fact as powerful as the movie was I would have to say the book is better. The novel explores Pai's and her relationship with her Grandfather much more deeply. This is one of those wonderful children's books that adults can enjoy.Book Review: Wonderfully uplifting for girls!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love how this books shows the transformation of an old fashioned grandfather to one that is loving and supportive and willing to learn from his granddaughter. After you read the book you need to watch the movie - beautiful images and great visual interpretation of the story!