I especially liked the perspective of 8 year old Ari and his friendship with Beth a young girl from next door with plenty of attitude often providing comic relief. Firstly we are introduced to Taukiri and Ari 2 recently orphaned brothers before being introduced to the love story of Jade and Toko which pulls you in to keep reading to understand how the story intertwines with The brothers. Īuē means to ‘howl’ or ‘cry’ in Te Reo which accurately describes the emotions evoked by this book as it takes you on a roller coaster of gang violence, family, motherhood, domestic abuse, love, race, toxic masculinity, mythology, isolation and addiction told through shifting perspectives and time. Manawatu's cousin, Glen Bo Duggan, who was killed by his Mother’s boyfriend at the age of 10 and also inspired by her sister who is married to a Mongrel Mob member. With these themes in mind it is no surprise that this story is heart breaking having been compared to Alan Duffs ‘Once Were Warriors’ however don’t let this comparison deter you as unlike Duffs sombre novel Auē is full of beautiful characters that are so full of heart it keeps you going through this constantly unfolding journey a true testament to her skill as a writer in this award winning debut novel.
Auē by Becky Manawatu is a heartfelt moving novel written in memory of
