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Once Were Warriors Trilogy #2
WHAT BECOMES OF A BROKEN HEART
The paperback book is in excellent condition.Pages are clean. Binding is tight. Spine is without creases. We carefully wrap and ship your book within 24 hours of order.216 Pages Published by Vintage Publishers in New Zealand.(j14)
216 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 1996
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About the author
Alan Duff
43 books56 followersAlan Duff (born October 26, 1950, Rotorua, New Zealand) is a New Zealand novelist and newspaper columnist, most well known as the author of Once Were Warriors. He began to write full-time in 1985.
He tried writing a thriller as his first novel, but it was rejected. He burned the manuscript and started writing Once Were Warriors, which had an immediate and great impact. The novel is written in juxtaposed interior monologues, making its style stand out from other works. It was winner of the PEN Best First Book Award, was runner-up in the Goodman Fielder Wattie Award, and was made into the award-winning film of the same name in 1994.
Another of his novels, One Night Out Stealing, appeared in 1991 and shortlisted in the 1992 Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards.
He was also awarded the Frank Sargeson Fellowship in 1991, and began writing a weekly -- later bi-weekly — column for the Evening Post (Wellington newspaper), syndicated to eight other newspapers. In this, and in his 1993 analysis, Māori: The Crisis and the Challenge, he has developed his ideas on the failures of Māoridom, castigating both the traditional leadership and the radical movement for dwelling on the injustices of the past and expecting others to resolve them, instead of encouraging Māori to get on and help themselves. The blame for Māori underperformance he puts squarely back on Māori, for not making the most of the opportunities given them. This somewhat simplistic message has proved highly controversial.
State Ward started as a series of episodes on radio in 1993 and was published as a novella in 1994.
The Books in Homes scheme, co-founded in 1995 by Duff and Christine Fernyhough, with commercial sponsorship and government support, aims to alleviate poverty and illiteracy by providing low-cost books to underprivileged children, thus encouraging them to read. In its first year alone it put about 180,000 new books in the hands of about 38,000 children. By 2008, the scheme delivered 5 million books to schools around New Zealand.
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? (1996), the sequel to Once Were Warriors, was the winner of the fiction section of the 1997 Montana Book Awards and was also made in to a film in 1999. Two Sides of the Moon was published in 1998. Duff wrote his own memoir, Out of the Mist and the Steam, in 1999. His first novel to be set outside of New Zealand is Szabad (2001). Inspired by the stories of people Duff met during his several trips to Hungary, the story takes place in Budapest during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Jake's Long Shadow (2002) is the third volume in Duff's Once Were Warriors trilogy. In 2003 Once Were Warriors was brought to the stage across New Zealand as a musical drama.
He tried writing a thriller as his first novel, but it was rejected. He burned the manuscript and started writing Once Were Warriors, which had an immediate and great impact. The novel is written in juxtaposed interior monologues, making its style stand out from other works. It was winner of the PEN Best First Book Award, was runner-up in the Goodman Fielder Wattie Award, and was made into the award-winning film of the same name in 1994.
Another of his novels, One Night Out Stealing, appeared in 1991 and shortlisted in the 1992 Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards.
He was also awarded the Frank Sargeson Fellowship in 1991, and began writing a weekly -- later bi-weekly — column for the Evening Post (Wellington newspaper), syndicated to eight other newspapers. In this, and in his 1993 analysis, Māori: The Crisis and the Challenge, he has developed his ideas on the failures of Māoridom, castigating both the traditional leadership and the radical movement for dwelling on the injustices of the past and expecting others to resolve them, instead of encouraging Māori to get on and help themselves. The blame for Māori underperformance he puts squarely back on Māori, for not making the most of the opportunities given them. This somewhat simplistic message has proved highly controversial.
State Ward started as a series of episodes on radio in 1993 and was published as a novella in 1994.
The Books in Homes scheme, co-founded in 1995 by Duff and Christine Fernyhough, with commercial sponsorship and government support, aims to alleviate poverty and illiteracy by providing low-cost books to underprivileged children, thus encouraging them to read. In its first year alone it put about 180,000 new books in the hands of about 38,000 children. By 2008, the scheme delivered 5 million books to schools around New Zealand.
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? (1996), the sequel to Once Were Warriors, was the winner of the fiction section of the 1997 Montana Book Awards and was also made in to a film in 1999. Two Sides of the Moon was published in 1998. Duff wrote his own memoir, Out of the Mist and the Steam, in 1999. His first novel to be set outside of New Zealand is Szabad (2001). Inspired by the stories of people Duff met during his several trips to Hungary, the story takes place in Budapest during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Jake's Long Shadow (2002) is the third volume in Duff's Once Were Warriors trilogy. In 2003 Once Were Warriors was brought to the stage across New Zealand as a musical drama.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 26, 2018
Alan Duff's follow up to Once Were Warriors follows a carefuly crafted redemption arc. It's a novel largely set within the realm of reflection, rumination, slow-burning realization and eventual exoneration. The first half of the novel is dominated by interior monologue, some of which rivals anything which can be found in the precursor novel. It is a highly worthwhile read and a worthy sequel to Once Were Warriors. It's truly a shame that the film sequel was such a mismatched, half-baked affair (albeit with some good moments.).
We spend the majority of our time once again with Jake Heke, as we see him transform from the fist-happy cock of the block in a miserable small-town into a middle-aged man who is humbled by life itself and the challenges it inevitably confronts him with. Jake's anger remains well intact but hard times have forced him to come to terms with his own sense of responsibility. The lucidity and unflinchingness with which Duff captures his day to day stream of consciousness is a quality I personally haven't found with many other writers - Irvine Welsh being one comparisson. The language is frequently colloquial, brutal, deeply insightful and occasionally hilarious. Duff serves Jake a suitably restrained kind of redemption arc, which hinges itself upon his relationship with the Douglas brothers and with Rita, the former teaching him how to deal with masculinity on far less toxic terms and the latter giving him a far better understanding of how to treat a woman. I honestly just thought that Duff handled Jake's character development so well. How he managed to use such a limited palette of language to detail such complex emotional trauma and the challenge of growing through it. Of course, it's very difficult to forgive Jake, if you're to view things as objectively as possible, but Duff makes such a compelling, humanistic case for Jake's emotional under-developement and ultimately, the genuine bravery, with which he confronts life's challenges in order to improve himself. Things remain far from perfect, and while I've used the term several times already, 'redemptive arc' may even be far too generous of a word. Jake is forced to grow and surmount issues hes spent his life running away from. Things might be far from perfect but there's an utterly believable insinuation that efforts being made to improve oneself will in one form or another, yield positive change.
On the other hand, we see relatively less of Beth Heke which is of course a shame but I think ultimately a wise move in terms of how to write this story. Beth has transcended her circumstances through her relationship with a kindly welfare officer Mr Bennett. The Heke family is in an altogether brighter place, despite the immense sadness surrounding her deceased children. Her relatively brief female perspective has some excellent moments, showing the complexity and intelligence with which she deals with her deep resentment and regret. Beth Heke's mind is still reeling with a violent clash of emotions, but she still has the clarity to recognize how her life has improved and how that has happened. Beth realizes the dark shadow of regrettable actions and the impact it leaves behind.
We're also introduced to the now older Heke children who barely featured a cameo in the previous novel. If I'm perfectly honest, I think that Nig and Abe prove to be the weakest characters in this series of books. The only thing we seem to learn from Abe over the course of this book is that he has become a slightly more wary gang affiliate. There are some moving passages where he remembers his sister Grace but overall Abe just doesn't seem to be a fully defined character. He's more like a prototype for a better human being. At certain points I feel that Abe's narrative meanders, his narrative only being redeemed by his very understated reunion with Jake.
Polly Heke on the other hand, proves to be a more interesting character. Still attached to her father enough that she spies on him with his new partner, Polly again suffers some of the lack of definition which Abe does but her scene upon returning to the tree where Grace hung herself is unforgettable.
New characters include perspectives from the wealthy Trambert family. These were some of the highlights for me, detailing the malaise and depression which can accompany the middle-aged bourgeoisie. Mrs Trambert's naked contempt and disgust towards her own son and husband is handled very well through her interior monologue, scathing and maudlin as it may be. Her own recall of Grace's suicide is again, thoroughly powerful writing. Mr Trambert's crumbling business ventures are marauded over generously poured glasses of gin and the future prospect of selling chicken pieces for a living. The great game of rugby is one of his few salavations, and Jake's humbling through the game itself reveals truths about why this game is so popularized as an outlet for masculine rage and despair in this country.
Yet another new chracter, Mulla Rota, a recently released inmate and now embittered member of the Brown Fists is another interesting addition. His relationship with a single-mother, Gloria, and flirtation with the idea of putting down money on a deposit for a house, is yet another example of Duff's apparent understanding of socio-economic issues and barriers in our society. These characters want change and yet have still failed to fully come to terms with the responsibility that involves. It's a bittersweet (mostly bitter) portrait of a brighter future which is cruelly just beyond their reach.
While the impenetrably dark heart of Once Were Warriors is still present throughout this novel, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted settles itself with the more quotidian nature of reality for these characters. It's set in the aftermath, in the recesses of unresolved emotional trauma. Grace's suicide and the tree where it occured are the symbol for how the ugliness of the past cannot be erased, but that the human spirit is capable of many rebirths. It also burrows deeper into the psychological, emotional and physical difficulty of living in a manner where you simply have to survive from day-to-day. It's a novel which ultimately revolves around relationships and how fundamental they are to our existence and our survival. Jake, who has burned every bridge in town, comes to realize that with the help of people like Rita and the Douglas Brothers he can slowly grow up instead of resorting to his reptilian tendencies. I still believe this novel speaks the language of marginalized in New Zealand with great empathy and a well-earned brushstroke of hopefulness. The heinous and the tragic will continue to afflict these character's lives but there is still a way forward, with the recognition of one's mistakes and shortcomings. Duff has certainly lost himself favour and credit within the liberal-left and arts community with his editorials but I defy (or rather invite) someone to tell me how this book, like its predecessor, isn't one with a great talent for empathy and in itself an important work of New Zealand art we should stil discuss.
We spend the majority of our time once again with Jake Heke, as we see him transform from the fist-happy cock of the block in a miserable small-town into a middle-aged man who is humbled by life itself and the challenges it inevitably confronts him with. Jake's anger remains well intact but hard times have forced him to come to terms with his own sense of responsibility. The lucidity and unflinchingness with which Duff captures his day to day stream of consciousness is a quality I personally haven't found with many other writers - Irvine Welsh being one comparisson. The language is frequently colloquial, brutal, deeply insightful and occasionally hilarious. Duff serves Jake a suitably restrained kind of redemption arc, which hinges itself upon his relationship with the Douglas brothers and with Rita, the former teaching him how to deal with masculinity on far less toxic terms and the latter giving him a far better understanding of how to treat a woman. I honestly just thought that Duff handled Jake's character development so well. How he managed to use such a limited palette of language to detail such complex emotional trauma and the challenge of growing through it. Of course, it's very difficult to forgive Jake, if you're to view things as objectively as possible, but Duff makes such a compelling, humanistic case for Jake's emotional under-developement and ultimately, the genuine bravery, with which he confronts life's challenges in order to improve himself. Things remain far from perfect, and while I've used the term several times already, 'redemptive arc' may even be far too generous of a word. Jake is forced to grow and surmount issues hes spent his life running away from. Things might be far from perfect but there's an utterly believable insinuation that efforts being made to improve oneself will in one form or another, yield positive change.
On the other hand, we see relatively less of Beth Heke which is of course a shame but I think ultimately a wise move in terms of how to write this story. Beth has transcended her circumstances through her relationship with a kindly welfare officer Mr Bennett. The Heke family is in an altogether brighter place, despite the immense sadness surrounding her deceased children. Her relatively brief female perspective has some excellent moments, showing the complexity and intelligence with which she deals with her deep resentment and regret. Beth Heke's mind is still reeling with a violent clash of emotions, but she still has the clarity to recognize how her life has improved and how that has happened. Beth realizes the dark shadow of regrettable actions and the impact it leaves behind.
We're also introduced to the now older Heke children who barely featured a cameo in the previous novel. If I'm perfectly honest, I think that Nig and Abe prove to be the weakest characters in this series of books. The only thing we seem to learn from Abe over the course of this book is that he has become a slightly more wary gang affiliate. There are some moving passages where he remembers his sister Grace but overall Abe just doesn't seem to be a fully defined character. He's more like a prototype for a better human being. At certain points I feel that Abe's narrative meanders, his narrative only being redeemed by his very understated reunion with Jake.
Polly Heke on the other hand, proves to be a more interesting character. Still attached to her father enough that she spies on him with his new partner, Polly again suffers some of the lack of definition which Abe does but her scene upon returning to the tree where Grace hung herself is unforgettable.
New characters include perspectives from the wealthy Trambert family. These were some of the highlights for me, detailing the malaise and depression which can accompany the middle-aged bourgeoisie. Mrs Trambert's naked contempt and disgust towards her own son and husband is handled very well through her interior monologue, scathing and maudlin as it may be. Her own recall of Grace's suicide is again, thoroughly powerful writing. Mr Trambert's crumbling business ventures are marauded over generously poured glasses of gin and the future prospect of selling chicken pieces for a living. The great game of rugby is one of his few salavations, and Jake's humbling through the game itself reveals truths about why this game is so popularized as an outlet for masculine rage and despair in this country.
Yet another new chracter, Mulla Rota, a recently released inmate and now embittered member of the Brown Fists is another interesting addition. His relationship with a single-mother, Gloria, and flirtation with the idea of putting down money on a deposit for a house, is yet another example of Duff's apparent understanding of socio-economic issues and barriers in our society. These characters want change and yet have still failed to fully come to terms with the responsibility that involves. It's a bittersweet (mostly bitter) portrait of a brighter future which is cruelly just beyond their reach.
While the impenetrably dark heart of Once Were Warriors is still present throughout this novel, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted settles itself with the more quotidian nature of reality for these characters. It's set in the aftermath, in the recesses of unresolved emotional trauma. Grace's suicide and the tree where it occured are the symbol for how the ugliness of the past cannot be erased, but that the human spirit is capable of many rebirths. It also burrows deeper into the psychological, emotional and physical difficulty of living in a manner where you simply have to survive from day-to-day. It's a novel which ultimately revolves around relationships and how fundamental they are to our existence and our survival. Jake, who has burned every bridge in town, comes to realize that with the help of people like Rita and the Douglas Brothers he can slowly grow up instead of resorting to his reptilian tendencies. I still believe this novel speaks the language of marginalized in New Zealand with great empathy and a well-earned brushstroke of hopefulness. The heinous and the tragic will continue to afflict these character's lives but there is still a way forward, with the recognition of one's mistakes and shortcomings. Duff has certainly lost himself favour and credit within the liberal-left and arts community with his editorials but I defy (or rather invite) someone to tell me how this book, like its predecessor, isn't one with a great talent for empathy and in itself an important work of New Zealand art we should stil discuss.
November 19, 2014
A very emotionally demanding read - as hard to put down as it is to pick up!
January 13, 2012
Very interesting, well written book.
February 9, 2019
Whoah! Not an easy read.
It is written in the voices of the characters, who are mainly disadvantaged Maori. Also they are criminals, gang members and mostly not very nice people who do not very nice things.
Glad I read it though.
It is written in the voices of the characters, who are mainly disadvantaged Maori. Also they are criminals, gang members and mostly not very nice people who do not very nice things.
Glad I read it though.
March 14, 2019
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first book in the series. While it was good to see what happened to the family, it jumped around a lot and the story element wasn’t as good.
April 13, 2024
While the movie adaptation (which diverts considerably from the darker source material) is a rare example of "sequel-that-equals", this one is decent but not as enthralling as the first chapter. Despite the interesting streams of consciousness from many new characters, offering a deep redemption of Jake the Muss as a human being (from the tough welfare-dwelling wifebeater to a dutiful man) and the surprising arcs of his son Abe (renouncing to let himself eaten by the feeling of revenge for his older brother and idol Nig) and Mulla Rota (wanting to turn his life around from a gangster and former con to a family man), many subplots seemed inconclusive, unfulfilling or smothered by the cliffhanger who put us off to the third, unforeseeable chapter.
March 17, 2018
I loved this book. Starting 6 years after Once Were Warriors, we follow Jake the Muss as he cleans up his act and tries to make amends for the terrible life he led before. We are introduced to a bunch of new characters such as Mulla Rota, a Brown Fist who is experiencing love for the first time and starting to realize that the gang life is a dead end; the Douglas brothers Kohi and Gary, who are like nicer versions of Jake. They show him how to live a more honorable life. We also get the story of the Trambert family, whose tree Grace hung herself on. There's Gloria Jones, a single mother, the opposite of Beth Heke and a horrible person.
Two of the Heke children are featured. Polly, now the same age Grace was when she died, and Abe, the brother who hero-worshipped Nig and has now joined a rival gang in hopes of getting revenge for Nig's death. There's so much going on I just couldn't put the book down. Alan Duff's writing style is amazing, it jumps from describing the scene to hearing the thoughts of the characters without transition. Words are misspelled and punctuation is missing to emulate the speech of the characters. Like Once Were Warriors, this book looks at the lives of the poverty stricken Maori people of New Zealand and the different ways they cope with it. This book offers a bit of hope and redemption even for people like Jake the Muss.
Two of the Heke children are featured. Polly, now the same age Grace was when she died, and Abe, the brother who hero-worshipped Nig and has now joined a rival gang in hopes of getting revenge for Nig's death. There's so much going on I just couldn't put the book down. Alan Duff's writing style is amazing, it jumps from describing the scene to hearing the thoughts of the characters without transition. Words are misspelled and punctuation is missing to emulate the speech of the characters. Like Once Were Warriors, this book looks at the lives of the poverty stricken Maori people of New Zealand and the different ways they cope with it. This book offers a bit of hope and redemption even for people like Jake the Muss.
January 1, 2019
The sequel to Once were Warriors and I highly encourage you to read this if you've read the first novel. If you missed the first novel, please start there (you'll need to read these in order to fully understand them!).
The story takes place 6-years after the events of the last book. What are the remaining members of the Heke family doing now?
One of the biggest questions answered, or almost answered is: The answer actually changes your reading of the first novel a bit. Which is quite interesting. As a scholar, I have been working with the first novel and film adaptation--and without reading this second novel, you're really going to be missing something. Something that can change an analysis quite a bit.
Not as great as the first novel because the impact is not as grand (the events aren't as grand either) but it does a great job of engaging the reader. I still love it, and hate it, all at the same time. Great writing and a must read for those interested in Maori, Pacific, Indigenous, or just-plain-good literature.
<3
The story takes place 6-years after the events of the last book. What are the remaining members of the Heke family doing now?
One of the biggest questions answered, or almost answered is: The answer actually changes your reading of the first novel a bit. Which is quite interesting. As a scholar, I have been working with the first novel and film adaptation--and without reading this second novel, you're really going to be missing something. Something that can change an analysis quite a bit.
Not as great as the first novel because the impact is not as grand (the events aren't as grand either) but it does a great job of engaging the reader. I still love it, and hate it, all at the same time. Great writing and a must read for those interested in Maori, Pacific, Indigenous, or just-plain-good literature.
<3
January 13, 2012
Here's the thing: a sequel to a fantastic first (book or movie) invariably disappoints. The biggest fault of What Becomes of the Broken Hearted is that it doesn't make the same splash Once Were Warriors did. It's impossible to capture charisma in a bottle twice going.
That said, the story picks up from where we left off with Jake and Beth. It's a suitable, expected set of consequences following the sequence of events ignited by Grace, and flows movingly enough. Jake's struggles to be a better man are quietly powerful.
Thus, it may not be the same electrifiying thunder of Once Were Warriors, but as a second part, this flows with a quieter power.
That said, the story picks up from where we left off with Jake and Beth. It's a suitable, expected set of consequences following the sequence of events ignited by Grace, and flows movingly enough. Jake's struggles to be a better man are quietly powerful.
Thus, it may not be the same electrifiying thunder of Once Were Warriors, but as a second part, this flows with a quieter power.
June 27, 2007
This book gives you the themes of redemption and Life. After the traumatic drama with the death of Jake's daughter. Jake starts to clean up his act and find some sort of inner-peace. Meanwhile Beth is finding her way as well, being ALL-WOMAN... inspirational.
July 25, 2009
The sequal to 'Once were Warriors' where Jake turns to pighunting and Beth makes a respectable marriage (but misses the raw passion of Jake). If you can handle Once were warriors then this is not a bad read although it is a bit bleak.
May 16, 2015
A good followup to Once were Warriors. This one was abit less brutal and 'raw' but found it interesting. This story more focussed on Jake seeking redemption and a better life after what happened in the first novel. Recommend for those who have read once were warriors or seen the movie
January 21, 2010
This is the sequel to Once were Warriors and shows that time and love can bring dome healing to the broken hearted.
August 27, 2010
Amazing book, as good as Once Were Warriors.
September 19, 2010
The sequel to Once Were Warriors. It is as powerful, detailed and gritty. Well-written in a terse, concise manner. He manages to show their humanity in spite of their deeds.
January 12, 2011
Suitably harrowing in the style of Once Were Warriors
Read
August 11, 2011The sequel to Once Were Warriors.,Works well when read back to back with the first book.
September 28, 2011
Excellent sequel which answered the many questions left at the end of the previous novel of, what would become, the Once Were Warriors trilogy.
July 4, 2012
A heartbreaking account of Maori life in New Zealand. A follow up to the acclaimed Once were Warriors, but every bit as moving as the first book. Recommend.
September 22, 2012
Not as powerful as Once Were Warriors, but still a really good, thought-provoking book worthy of a re-read. The Heke family will live in my heart and mind forever.
Read
June 29, 2015In the following year after Graces death, Jake goes back to drink with the boys. In one night their was a gang fight against the Hawks and the Toa gang
September 17, 2018
Pre holiday read before our trip to NZ on Thursday- excellent book, great audio!
June 9, 2022
This sequel wasn't as good as the first one, Once Were Warriors. This deals with the aftermath of the first book, how the Heke family is dealing with the deaths of Grace and Nig. Abe joins the gang that killed Nig to try to get revenge. Little sister Polly is growing up and trying to understand what happened to her sister Grace. Jake and Beth are divorced and Jake is struggling to move on the way Beth has.
Again, there is heartache, death, poverty, drugs, and violence. All the things the first book held. As well as a look at the way poverty holds a person down and makes is impossible to climb out of, not the mention the way a country deals with its indigenous peoples.
Ultimately, this book just didn't have much plot to it. Lots of people feeling sorry for themselves and struggling for something different. The only plot happens right at the end in the last few chapters. So getting through it was a bit of a slog, especially with the slang, uneducated language the book is written in.
Again, there is heartache, death, poverty, drugs, and violence. All the things the first book held. As well as a look at the way poverty holds a person down and makes is impossible to climb out of, not the mention the way a country deals with its indigenous peoples.
Ultimately, this book just didn't have much plot to it. Lots of people feeling sorry for themselves and struggling for something different. The only plot happens right at the end in the last few chapters. So getting through it was a bit of a slog, especially with the slang, uneducated language the book is written in.
July 5, 2024
"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?" is a moving novel written by Alan Duff, which continues to explore the turbulent lives of Māori characters in New Zealand, introduced in his previous work, 'Once Were Warriors'. The story follows Jake Heke as he struggles to find his way after a family tragedy and faces the challenges of violence, cultural identity, and personal redemption. Duff presents a raw and authentic portrait of life in Māori communities, capturing the struggle for power, hope and reconciliation. With direct and emotional prose, the novel explores universal themes such as love, loss and resilience. "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?" is a powerful and thoughtful sequel that delves into the complex characters and social reality of New Zealand, offering a powerful read that invites reflection on family and cultural dynamics.
April 16, 2025
I wish I could say that I enjoyed this book, however I just wanted it to be over. It was difficult to read, not because of the themes but for the style of writing and the vocabulary. It did flow a bit more in the last few chapters which I was thankful for.
Jake Heke (the muss) is the main character and I enjoyed his character more than the others. The relationship between Gloria and Mulla, I could have done without. All the gang narrative was not important really and didn't add much for me. It was a rehash of spousal abuse, child neglect, violence and suicidal themes seen in Once were Warriors except we start to see the slow transformation of Jake from the out of control wife beater to a still broken man but one that is learning to make better choices.
I would say, watch the movie instead. It pains me to say this because I like to support Indigenous author's but it just didn't spark any joy and I didn't learn anything new.
Jake Heke (the muss) is the main character and I enjoyed his character more than the others. The relationship between Gloria and Mulla, I could have done without. All the gang narrative was not important really and didn't add much for me. It was a rehash of spousal abuse, child neglect, violence and suicidal themes seen in Once were Warriors except we start to see the slow transformation of Jake from the out of control wife beater to a still broken man but one that is learning to make better choices.
I would say, watch the movie instead. It pains me to say this because I like to support Indigenous author's but it just didn't spark any joy and I didn't learn anything new.
March 5, 2021
23 🎧🇳🇿NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿This is the follow up to “Once Were Warriors” and continues the story of Jake Heke and family. The story picks up from when Beth evicts Jake after learning that their daughter Grace believed he raped her. We see Jake hit rock bottom, and then drag himself up from the gutter to respectable heights. We also see the Heke family face more tragedy to gang violence. It is through the redemptive actions of Beth that the Heke cycle of domestic violence, poverty and welfare dependency is broken. Through her efforts to reconnect with the Maori culture we know hope. Absolutely a must read, and I now am looking for the third in the series.
August 16, 2020
This is, in its own way, as hard a book to read as Once Were Warriors. It’s a story of loss and redemption that toke me a while to get through. I had to stop reading from time to time, just to feel the loss of the characters. I cried more than once, reading it. This book will stay with me for a long time.
Read
October 20, 2023Alan Duff's prose is great imo but the narrative is fucking insane. Retcons the most interesting part of Once Were Warriors—the ambiguity around who raped Grace & also Jake redeems himself by stopping ppl robbing a rich property developer??? what lmao. It's so fucking crazy different from the movie. Also who knew this was a trilogy?
August 2, 2022
Top stuff. You could certainly find faults in it but the power of the story almost gives them a human quality, as if the book is better for them.
You could compare this book to others if you were so inclined but for us it will remain a singular & shining force of its own creation.
You could compare this book to others if you were so inclined but for us it will remain a singular & shining force of its own creation.
May 23, 2023
Not bad. Doesn't really add anything to the original story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews