Mission Girl

In Mission Girl by Fleur Beale, Atapō is the main focus. The story is based in New Zealand, but it never says where exactly. Atapō has a community but it changes when the chief takes the mother of Atapō. Atapō is the daughter of the chief, the richest of the land – until it all changed. All she wants is to be recognised.

The novel begins when Atapō’s family life has a bit of a struggle. After that little struggle, she gets to do some things that are a bit different from her average life. This story takes us through the ups and downs of Atapō’s life.
Fleur Beale beautifully captures Atapō’s internal struggle as she navigates between two worlds: the structured, religious environment of the mission and the vibrant, but often misunderstood, Māori culture. Through Atapō’s eyes, readers gain insight into the difficulties of cultural identity and the challenges of forging one's path in a rapidly changing society.

Beale's writing style is accessible yet rich in historical detail, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of 19th-century New Zealand. The novel's pacing keeps the reader engaged, as Atapō struggles to learn a new language and community.

In Mission Girl, you can see Atapō's struggles and how she overcomes them. This book represents the struggles that many people have overcome. If you like a book that can support you through the hard times, this book is for you.

This book is part of a collection of NZ stories – to be honest, this is one of my least favorites in the collection but I would reread it. This is a good book to add if you want a fresh new book to your book collection. If you like historical fiction,you will enjoy this book. Fleur Beale has a lot of books but this is one of her more youthful ones. This book's characters make me want to dress like them! The reason I would like the clothing is because the author does an amazing job at describing the different types of clothes and the bright, sophisticated type of clothing.

There is a part in this book that keeps me thinking – “Rẽwiti would not go back on his word: You will not marry a slave. Her mana is dead.” This sentence carries significant cultural meaning, particularly in the context of Māori culture in New Zealand, because mana means spiritual power and also gift. This word is in Māori but in English, there is no translation. Also, in some parts of the story, there are joyful thoughts such as “I am learning about the love of Jesus Christ,” which is an important asset to the book because this book focuses on Atapō’s religious journey.

Overall, Mission Girl is a thoughtful novel that addresses themes of cultural identity and belonging. Fleur Beale's sensitive portrayal of Atapō’s journey makes this book not only a compelling read but also an important exploration of New Zealand's history and the enduring quest for self-discovery.

Sometimes a little giggle can make your day but sometimes a little emotion can get you through a day. This book is a great choice for you if you are 8-13 because it teaches you about New Zealand culture and it gives you a deeper understanding of NZ history. If you like books based in New Zealand with a lot of wholesome, fun moments then this is the book for you.

- Susana is 11 years old and lives in Hamilton.