The Parihaka Woman

Witi Ihimaera

Vintage $38.95

Reviewed by Ruby Watson

Recently at a book signing I held an unopened copy of Witi Ihimaera’s ‘The Parihaka Woman’ ready for the author to sign.

“Let me know if you don’t like it and I’ll give you your money back”, he said as he flourished the page with ‘Arohanui’ and his autograph.

The book’s title, ‘The Parihaka Woman’, is a giveaway of the story line that focuses on a woman, Erenora, and her two sisters, from the peaceful Taranaki settlement of Parihaka during the 1870’s-1880’s ‘land wars’.

Ihimaera’s words lift the passionate spirit of this inspiring community led by Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi off the pages. The operatic styled novel is a delicate and successful balance between fact and fiction, interspersing historical documents with the journey of protagonist Erenora across Aotearoa in a hunt for her imprisoned husband. Beethoven’s opera Fidelio gives a format for Ihimaera to follow throughout the novel giving a theatrical air to the already dramatic story.

‘The Parihaka Woman’ had me fluctuating between laughter and tears, guilt and pride, frustration and inspiration. It reinforced the value that peace has had in New Zealand’s history. Needless to say Witi will most definitely not be giving me a refund!