Poorhara

I was excited to receive this novel at the end of the school year heading into the summer break! It was like Christmas had come early.

At first glance the cover is intriguing and striking and the title “Poorhara” is a play on the Māori word pōhara which means poor. The meaning behind this title is clear in the first few pages when Erin describes the state of their rental property. At times the story felt very bleak and I would catch myself wondering why there aren't more positive and more uplifting stories about Māori. However, I do know that this is our reality and it is an important reality to share.

The bond between the two cousins Star and Erin is heartfelt and at times humorously inspired. Both characters are well developed and you feel their mamae throughout the novel. I found it hard to read and comprehend the text exchanges from Erin but it does add to her character. I liked the inclusion of te reo throughout as it felt natural to read.

This novel would work for Year 13 where they can explore the idea of intergenerational trauma and analyse it through a postcolonial lens. It will allow for discussion around how people find it difficult to escape poverty and how the system is often designed against them because of this.

Content advisory: self harm, abuse.