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Wild Pork and Watercress
A tale of raw adventure as Uncle Hec and Ricky use all their skills to survive in the hard world of precipitous hills and impassable forest. It uncovers the slow maturing of love and trust between two loners in a hard world.
163 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
208 people are currently reading
5743 people want to read
About the author
Barry Crump
50 books81 followersNew Zealand author of semi-autobiographical comic novels based on his image as a rugged outdoors man.
Crump worked for many years as a government deer-culler in areas of New Zealand native forest (termed "the bush"). He wrote his first novel, A Good Keen Man, in 1960, based on his experiences as a government hunter. It was a fictional account of a young hunter who has to suffer through a series of hunting partners who are often unsuitable for the job. This novel became one of the most popular in New Zealand history,
Crump died in 1996 of a suspected aortic aneurysm. At the time of his death he was living at Ohauiti with his fifth wife, Maggie.
abridged from Wikipedia
Crump worked for many years as a government deer-culler in areas of New Zealand native forest (termed "the bush"). He wrote his first novel, A Good Keen Man, in 1960, based on his experiences as a government hunter. It was a fictional account of a young hunter who has to suffer through a series of hunting partners who are often unsuitable for the job. This novel became one of the most popular in New Zealand history,
Crump died in 1996 of a suspected aortic aneurysm. At the time of his death he was living at Ohauiti with his fifth wife, Maggie.
abridged from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
December 1, 2016
4.25 stars.
I was hesitant about this one because, like, it's 30 years old. And the narrator is Maori. But it's written by a white dude. All of which added up to "cultural insensitivity central".
HOWEVER.
This was pretty damned wonderful. I kind of knew everything that was going to happen already, having seen Hunt for the Wilderpeople (and loved it!) earlier this year. Ricky is a fabulous character - he's constantly pigeonholed and stereotyped by society because he's Maori. But when he goes to live with his aunt and uncle, he finds people who love him no matter what.
It's the kind of story that 14 year old boys would love, and the writing is pretty simplistic. But it's also really beautiful and funny and moving. And while I was initially hesitant about the way that it ended because of how different it was to the movie, the more I think about it, the more perfect it is.
I was hesitant about this one because, like, it's 30 years old. And the narrator is Maori. But it's written by a white dude. All of which added up to "cultural insensitivity central".
HOWEVER.
This was pretty damned wonderful. I kind of knew everything that was going to happen already, having seen Hunt for the Wilderpeople (and loved it!) earlier this year. Ricky is a fabulous character - he's constantly pigeonholed and stereotyped by society because he's Maori. But when he goes to live with his aunt and uncle, he finds people who love him no matter what.
It's the kind of story that 14 year old boys would love, and the writing is pretty simplistic. But it's also really beautiful and funny and moving. And while I was initially hesitant about the way that it ended because of how different it was to the movie, the more I think about it, the more perfect it is.
June 4, 2016
This is such a 'boy' book! It's so different than anything I would normally pick up. I requested it from the library after seeing the movie "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" which is based on this story. The movie gave so much context for the book and I think that improved the reading experience a lot for me. The story could not get more 'Kiwi' and this is one of the only books set in my country that I've ever read. This is an easy read, a charming and fantastical adventure that keeps you glued to the end.
April 10, 2020
Something of a National Treasure in New Zealand I believe, Barry Crump was a writer, comedian, performer, a Kiwi Extraordinaire. This book, like many of his others it seems, reads as semi autobiographical. If this one is anything to go by, his style is easy, incisive and economical. A combination of Jack London and Ernest Hemingway.
The narrator is a plump Maori adolescent boy, Ricky, who has been labelled a ‘problem child’. In desperation, the Authorities have placed him in the care of a childless aunt and uncle, down at heel farmers. His adored aunt dies suddenly which leaves him with his curmudgeonly uncle, Hec. The Authorities need to be convinced that Hec is a suitable parent and there is every chance that Ricky will be returned to a “Children’s Home”, which is the last thing he wants (he has escaped from all such placements in the past). So, Hec and Ricky take off into the bush with their two dogs and live pretty rough for almost two years. Their relationship has always tended to be “edgy” but in order to survive the elements whilst evading the authorities, they have to rely on each other. Their story is never dull and always very human. I loved it and can recommend it.
The narrator is a plump Maori adolescent boy, Ricky, who has been labelled a ‘problem child’. In desperation, the Authorities have placed him in the care of a childless aunt and uncle, down at heel farmers. His adored aunt dies suddenly which leaves him with his curmudgeonly uncle, Hec. The Authorities need to be convinced that Hec is a suitable parent and there is every chance that Ricky will be returned to a “Children’s Home”, which is the last thing he wants (he has escaped from all such placements in the past). So, Hec and Ricky take off into the bush with their two dogs and live pretty rough for almost two years. Their relationship has always tended to be “edgy” but in order to survive the elements whilst evading the authorities, they have to rely on each other. Their story is never dull and always very human. I loved it and can recommend it.
April 19, 2025
Lut's heeve sum fush and chups on my dick.
(Above translantion: Let's have fish and chips out on the deck.)
Have you been to NZ? They have a unique accent (ixcent) and we often got tangled up trying to interpret it. I think Barry Crump finds the New Zealanders as amusing and entertaining as I do. Jeez, there's enough of the bastards living over here in Australia...you'd do well to not to insult any of them. Anyway, this is a charming story of two unlikely companions, toughing it out in the NZ wilderness near Gisborne. Ricky and his Uncle Hec are about as different as a kiwi from a sheep turd, but slowly, as they evade the authorities, they become very close...inseparable in fact. Ricky is only 14 but wise beyond his years. He's had a rough upbringing and been in trouble with the cops many time. Uncle Hec just seems to hate civilisation, so takes his nephew on an adventure through the bush to get away from everyone. My favourite quote was when Ricky says he left school, because he thought that they were cramming so much information into his head, he thought that it would literally become full and might explode.
Crump's style is kind of like Jack London, but with a sense of humour. I just loved this story even though the ending was a little heart-rending. I'll definitely watch the movie, especially to see how Sam Neil portrays Uncle Hec.
(Above translantion: Let's have fish and chips out on the deck.)
Have you been to NZ? They have a unique accent (ixcent) and we often got tangled up trying to interpret it. I think Barry Crump finds the New Zealanders as amusing and entertaining as I do. Jeez, there's enough of the bastards living over here in Australia...you'd do well to not to insult any of them. Anyway, this is a charming story of two unlikely companions, toughing it out in the NZ wilderness near Gisborne. Ricky and his Uncle Hec are about as different as a kiwi from a sheep turd, but slowly, as they evade the authorities, they become very close...inseparable in fact. Ricky is only 14 but wise beyond his years. He's had a rough upbringing and been in trouble with the cops many time. Uncle Hec just seems to hate civilisation, so takes his nephew on an adventure through the bush to get away from everyone. My favourite quote was when Ricky says he left school, because he thought that they were cramming so much information into his head, he thought that it would literally become full and might explode.
Crump's style is kind of like Jack London, but with a sense of humour. I just loved this story even though the ending was a little heart-rending. I'll definitely watch the movie, especially to see how Sam Neil portrays Uncle Hec.
March 12, 2011
This is a great story, of the relationship between two loners--overweight Maori boy Ricky and grizzled old Pakeha 'Uncle Hec'. Ricky's been in and out of foster care his whole life and Uncle Hec ... well, he just doesn't like people. The story picks up when these two head into the bush to escape the police--who want to put Ricky back into care--and the adventures they have trying to survive. Like all of Crumpie's books the writing is rough and ready but always engaging, and the development of the relationship between the young, withdrawn boy and the older, weary man is handled exceptionally well and never feels anything less than true.
Highly recommended for anyone.
Apparently Taika Waititi (of 'Boy' fame) is set to make it into a movie, which could be interesting. The story is simple and strong enough to make a great film, and Taika has proven himself to be a deft character director. Worth keeping an eye on, I think!
Highly recommended for anyone.
Apparently Taika Waititi (of 'Boy' fame) is set to make it into a movie, which could be interesting. The story is simple and strong enough to make a great film, and Taika has proven himself to be a deft character director. Worth keeping an eye on, I think!
April 17, 2017
Wow, what an amazing book that is both the same and different from the movie that I learned of first. I went into this book thinking that it was going to be the same as the Taika Waititi masterpiece, but I was pleasantly surprised by the differences between the two. The last three chapters are particularly gripping, and the last one is really great.
If Barry Crump books were accessible here in the United States (I was lucky enough to grab this one on my honeymoon in NZ this past October), I would read each and every one. His writing style was both simplistic and layered; an easy read as this book was, it was still meaningful and touching.
If Barry Crump books were accessible here in the United States (I was lucky enough to grab this one on my honeymoon in NZ this past October), I would read each and every one. His writing style was both simplistic and layered; an easy read as this book was, it was still meaningful and touching.
February 7, 2017
This is great. Right up at the top of my favourite Crump books.
Excellently and richly descriptive in the few characters involved, of the Urewera, and bush life in general. Great storyline, .
So good, I would recommend reading a lot of Crumps other books before this one, or it might ruin him for you!
Excellently and richly descriptive in the few characters involved, of the Urewera, and bush life in general. Great storyline, .
So good, I would recommend reading a lot of Crumps other books before this one, or it might ruin him for you!
February 26, 2018
I read this after loving the "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" movie which is based on this terrific book.
Like any adaptation, the movie is markedly different from the novel - the book is not the comedy that the film is at all.
Crump was a legend in NZ, and this is the first of his that I've read - and it's full of the author's authentic bushman wisdom, all related through the eyes of Ricky Baker, our 14 year old kid on the run with his gruff Uncle Hec.
To some extent, to a city-boy like myself (who occasionally goes to a nice campsite or walks a well-maintained trail) this is a bit of a fantasy - how good would it be to live off the land, hunting wild pigs and hares, cooking them on the fire and sleeping beneath the stars? Crump makes it very clear that it's bl**dy hard work, but there is an appeal just the same.
The end of the novel is somewhat bittersweet - I won't spoil it but it's not the same happy ending as the film - and provides a certain grounding after the ever-so-slightly romanticised escapades of our fugitive duo.
Crump serves up some authentic bush-tucker (probably an Aussie phrase..) and lets us all dream of giving the system the finger and taking our own lives and destinies into our hands.
Like any adaptation, the movie is markedly different from the novel - the book is not the comedy that the film is at all.
Crump was a legend in NZ, and this is the first of his that I've read - and it's full of the author's authentic bushman wisdom, all related through the eyes of Ricky Baker, our 14 year old kid on the run with his gruff Uncle Hec.
To some extent, to a city-boy like myself (who occasionally goes to a nice campsite or walks a well-maintained trail) this is a bit of a fantasy - how good would it be to live off the land, hunting wild pigs and hares, cooking them on the fire and sleeping beneath the stars? Crump makes it very clear that it's bl**dy hard work, but there is an appeal just the same.
The end of the novel is somewhat bittersweet - I won't spoil it but it's not the same happy ending as the film - and provides a certain grounding after the ever-so-slightly romanticised escapades of our fugitive duo.
Crump serves up some authentic bush-tucker (probably an Aussie phrase..) and lets us all dream of giving the system the finger and taking our own lives and destinies into our hands.
February 7, 2017
I wanted to read Wild Pork and Watercress because I enjoyed the film (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) so much. The book was an easy read and not a disappointment. The relationship (and the dialogue) between Hec and Ricky is central to the book and the film and is a pleasure to witness. I'm not sure the book really needs its final chapter (Epitaph) which doesn't add much apart from a note of sadness and I can see why Taika Waititi ends the film differently.
Favourite Sentence: "Urewera Rain, it doesn't fall in drops like ordinary rain; it starts like a bucketful of marbles being tipped out on the roof and then it's a continuous stream of white lines, hissing and splashing into the bush, beating everything flat and keeping it there, bouncing spray off every surface."
Favourite Sentence: "Urewera Rain, it doesn't fall in drops like ordinary rain; it starts like a bucketful of marbles being tipped out on the roof and then it's a continuous stream of white lines, hissing and splashing into the bush, beating everything flat and keeping it there, bouncing spray off every surface."
September 27, 2018
So much not my thing: a coming-of-age, a Young-Adult, a "boy" book, a book about survival in the wilderness - and yet...and yet...
I'd already seen the movie and, having loved it, was a little disappointed to realise that there were substantial differences, but that disappointment quickly vanished when I realised how good the book is. Different, but excellent in another way. The characters are so real and Ricky is so engaging, and the author manages to get his voice just right. I forgot, more than once, that this was fiction - I even had to go back and check again because the ending was A wonderful, lovely book that I'd cheerfully recommend to just about anybody.
I'd already seen the movie and, having loved it, was a little disappointed to realise that there were substantial differences, but that disappointment quickly vanished when I realised how good the book is. Different, but excellent in another way. The characters are so real and Ricky is so engaging, and the author manages to get his voice just right. I forgot, more than once, that this was fiction - I even had to go back and check again because the ending was A wonderful, lovely book that I'd cheerfully recommend to just about anybody.
June 2, 2016
While living in New Zealand I've tried to become familiar with some Kiwi literature. I would say I've done a pretty good job with Wild Pork and Watercress. This book was first published back in 1986 but has come back into the limelight since the movie adaptation, titled Hunt for the Wilderpeople, was released earlier this year. It is very much a Kiwi book, and a Kiwi film (directed by Taika Waititi). I'm not sure the film has made it to the States yet.
Crump's book tells the story of Ricky Baker and his Uncle Hec. After being bounced from foster family to foster family, Ricky finally comes to live with his aunt and uncle. But both his life and his Uncle Hec's are changed when Ricky's Aunty Bella suddenly dies. The two become fugitives hiding out in the New Zealand bush.
This is very much a coming of age tale as well as a heart-warming story of two outcasts finally finding somewhere, and someone, that accepts them just the way they are. Crump's writing style reminds me a bit of Neil Gaiman and Hemingway (not that I've read much of him). It's short and to the point but still evokes all the right emotions.
The story is written from Ricky's point of view and Crump does a great job capturing his voice. The language is very casual and feels like the reader is hearing the story right from Ricky's mouth instead of reading a book about it. It's a tale that captures the struggles and dangers of living in the New Zealand bush, and shows how even terrible tragedies can bring about good things.
That's enough cheese. It's a quick and enjoyable read. Get you some Kiwi lit!
~Ren
Crump's book tells the story of Ricky Baker and his Uncle Hec. After being bounced from foster family to foster family, Ricky finally comes to live with his aunt and uncle. But both his life and his Uncle Hec's are changed when Ricky's Aunty Bella suddenly dies. The two become fugitives hiding out in the New Zealand bush.
This is very much a coming of age tale as well as a heart-warming story of two outcasts finally finding somewhere, and someone, that accepts them just the way they are. Crump's writing style reminds me a bit of Neil Gaiman and Hemingway (not that I've read much of him). It's short and to the point but still evokes all the right emotions.
The story is written from Ricky's point of view and Crump does a great job capturing his voice. The language is very casual and feels like the reader is hearing the story right from Ricky's mouth instead of reading a book about it. It's a tale that captures the struggles and dangers of living in the New Zealand bush, and shows how even terrible tragedies can bring about good things.
That's enough cheese. It's a quick and enjoyable read. Get you some Kiwi lit!
~Ren
February 6, 2017
Honestly, I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did, but it was such an enjoyable read. This is the story of teenager Ricky Baker, who had been bounced around foster families until he settled in with an aunt and her husband, Uncle Hec. Circumstances led to him needing to re-enter the social welfare system, but instead of doing that, he decides to go bush with his uncle until he turns fifteen. At least that was the plan...
I really enjoyed this very Kiwi coming-of-age/family-bonding novel, and also thoroughly enjoyed the adventure aspect of it - especially the food descriptions! It also gave me a new perspective on tramping - you never know who else might be around! The ending was a bit of surprise as well, but added another dimension again to what had been Ricky's (and thus, mine) romanticised version of the experience.
#readharder2017
Task #10: 'Reads a book that is set within 100 miles of your location'.
I really enjoyed this very Kiwi coming-of-age/family-bonding novel, and also thoroughly enjoyed the adventure aspect of it - especially the food descriptions! It also gave me a new perspective on tramping - you never know who else might be around! The ending was a bit of surprise as well, but added another dimension again to what had been Ricky's (and thus, mine) romanticised version of the experience.
#readharder2017
Task #10: 'Reads a book that is set within 100 miles of your location'.
December 12, 2017
An interesting story about the relationship between Uncle Hec and his 13 year old nephew Ricky as they spend two years living in the bush of the Urewera evading authorities who would put Ricky in a social welfare home. A realistic story about surviving off the land in harsh conditions and hunting.
August 10, 2021
The closest thing to a New Zealand western I've ever read
December 31, 2024
A nice book that helps you mind larp being in the NZ bush while away from new zealand. I dont think i am cut out to be a bushman.
Might watch the movie again
Might watch the movie again
August 27, 2017
Loved it. Much better than the movie.
January 30, 2024
Bloody wonderful.
July 18, 2024
Love love love. Dry nz humour. Also they are near waikeremoana which I have plans to do so that’s cool. Only negative / kinda weird is barry is some pakeha guy who writes ‘fat Maori boy’ as a main theme/topic in this book. So that was strange & probably not really pc but besides that it was rly good !
October 9, 2025
ok i actually love this book SO much. it's based off one of my favourite movies of all time and yet it's so different from the film. like the movie is high stakes, coming of age, dramatic man-hunt. this was a sweet, cosy read about two guys living in the bush and becoming besties. the plots were similar, but not the same, which i love.
and honestly, i prefer the book! because this was so much sweeter and i really felt like i was there with them every step of the way. seeing ricky and hec bond was so sweet and i loved how the stakes were ever changing. and having people eventually give up and leave them alone to just do their own thing was so sweet and i really enjoyed that!!!
only thing that confused me was how the bush is made out to be massive, yet everyone knew which parts they would be in and they traversed it so quickly?? idk
the found family in this was so real and there were a few moments when i was close to tears (when willy died 3) and it was just PERFECTION.
and woah... there was... CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT? I CANT!!!! and it was so interesting to hear the story told from someone elses POV at the end, how ricky thought they were totally normal but then robby showed the very realistic side of the story saying no, the wild did change them a lot. they were different and traumatised. and i LOVED that
also when ricky found out he was skinny? my heart broke ill tell you that
the only thing i didnt love was how we left off, them returning was fitting and i loved it but it just didnt sit right with me to have people assuming they're dead, because we all know they're too good for that
overall, short, sweet, everything i needed to get me out of this insane slump (hopefully)! love love love
and honestly, i prefer the book! because this was so much sweeter and i really felt like i was there with them every step of the way. seeing ricky and hec bond was so sweet and i loved how the stakes were ever changing. and having people eventually give up and leave them alone to just do their own thing was so sweet and i really enjoyed that!!!
only thing that confused me was how the bush is made out to be massive, yet everyone knew which parts they would be in and they traversed it so quickly?? idk
the found family in this was so real and there were a few moments when i was close to tears (when willy died 3) and it was just PERFECTION.
and woah... there was... CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT? I CANT!!!! and it was so interesting to hear the story told from someone elses POV at the end, how ricky thought they were totally normal but then robby showed the very realistic side of the story saying no, the wild did change them a lot. they were different and traumatised. and i LOVED that
also when ricky found out he was skinny? my heart broke ill tell you that
the only thing i didnt love was how we left off, them returning was fitting and i loved it but it just didnt sit right with me to have people assuming they're dead, because we all know they're too good for that
overall, short, sweet, everything i needed to get me out of this insane slump (hopefully)! love love love
September 16, 2016
I bought this book after seeing the movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople. The book is fairly different from the movie, which isn't a bad thing.
The movie was comedic and fast-paced, whereas the novel had a more serious, survivalist tone. The endings were slightly different, as well, which I think is a good thing because one won't spoil the other. The book ending was definitely more surprising.
Crump's writing style is casual and straight forward (kind of like a more modest Hemingway). Crump did a great job writing from the perspective of a 14-year-old. It never felt forced. The story overall felt very realistic; I got the impression that Crump had actually experienced most of the events he described.
The great thing about this book is that it would appeal equally to 12 year old or an 80 year old. It's a stereotypical "boy book," but girls will enjoy it, too.
My only complaint is that the story could be repetitive at times. 90% of the story is about food - hunting for food, foraging for food, stashing food, stealing food from cabins, etc.
Fyi, it's hard to find a paperback copy in the US. I had to buy the Kindle version, which is unfortunate because I would have liked to lend this book out to all my friends.
The movie was comedic and fast-paced, whereas the novel had a more serious, survivalist tone. The endings were slightly different, as well, which I think is a good thing because one won't spoil the other. The book ending was definitely more surprising.
Crump's writing style is casual and straight forward (kind of like a more modest Hemingway). Crump did a great job writing from the perspective of a 14-year-old. It never felt forced. The story overall felt very realistic; I got the impression that Crump had actually experienced most of the events he described.
The great thing about this book is that it would appeal equally to 12 year old or an 80 year old. It's a stereotypical "boy book," but girls will enjoy it, too.
My only complaint is that the story could be repetitive at times. 90% of the story is about food - hunting for food, foraging for food, stashing food, stealing food from cabins, etc.
Fyi, it's hard to find a paperback copy in the US. I had to buy the Kindle version, which is unfortunate because I would have liked to lend this book out to all my friends.
December 12, 2016
I loved the film of Hunt for the Wilderpeople, in fact to date it's my film of 2016 so came to this book really wanting the same experience.
Perhaps my high expectations are why it didn't quite work for me as well. I am definitely a "the book is better than the film" kinda guy but this seems to be an exception to the rule.
It wasn't without its good points. I did route for Uncle Hec, Ricky, Zac and Willy but the extended journey of the book seemed in some places to be more a list of "we camped here, then here, then here and here" and not so much of the warmth of its cinematic offspring. I was nice to be in their company though and their adventures did keep me turning the pages but Aunt Bella needed to add her hot water bottle to the proceedings.
Do read this book, it is a fun yarn but afterwards hunt out the movie and have another adventure, a funnier, more descriptive, warmer hearted adventure
Perhaps my high expectations are why it didn't quite work for me as well. I am definitely a "the book is better than the film" kinda guy but this seems to be an exception to the rule.
It wasn't without its good points. I did route for Uncle Hec, Ricky, Zac and Willy but the extended journey of the book seemed in some places to be more a list of "we camped here, then here, then here and here" and not so much of the warmth of its cinematic offspring. I was nice to be in their company though and their adventures did keep me turning the pages but Aunt Bella needed to add her hot water bottle to the proceedings.
Do read this book, it is a fun yarn but afterwards hunt out the movie and have another adventure, a funnier, more descriptive, warmer hearted adventure
March 12, 2021
A year 8 boy recommended this to his peers during a library session and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this in one go yesterday. Perfect for year 7/8s, could be a read aloud. Great for discussions around Maori preconceptions, the care system, misunderstood youth, relationship building etc. Also lots of exploration around the native Bush of New Zealand, survivalist attitudes, friendship. So glad I gave this a go. My daughter’s Year 10 English doing the film as a film study, I’m almost reluctant to watch it as I know some things are different. But I probably will.
November 17, 2025
Da book go crazy, nice work Baz! Slightly different than the film which was great! Super easy and straightforward read, no fucking around. At the end they just die though which is a bit gutting. It’s not written specifically but still probably a bit grim. Reckon crump could’ve left me with a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2020
**4.5 stars.
It’s a lovely wee tale. It was a great movie, so I figured the source material had to be good, and it was.
It made me feel at home in a weird way. Hec reminds me of every middle aged rural man I know, including my dad. Stories about going on adventures through the New Zealand bush will always sit in my soul; the Uraweras are such a staple of this certain brand of storytelling, and reading jack lasenby books as a kid has meant I kind of always think of them as this sort of mystical place. I love the natural landscape of Aotearoa, being out in the bush always fills me with a sort of combination sense of peace, loneliness and connectedness. I really do just love the bush.
Enough about me. It’s 12.30am so rambletown is here.
It was a really lovely, simple book, clean and beautiful storytelling. I think rural kids everywhere would love it and all find something to relate to in it. It’s not too complex a read, but addresses much deeper topics. It really just is good.
But the ending?? I’m glad Taika changed it. Hearing the other perpective and what he thought happened to them in the end really left me with this sense of sorrow and hollowness. So that was a lot.
Also - when hiring people to read audiobooks, I think maybe next time it would probably be worth getting someone who can actually pronounce Māori words and place names?? But that’s just my two cents.
Altogether good book and I think my brothers would like it.
It’s a lovely wee tale. It was a great movie, so I figured the source material had to be good, and it was.
It made me feel at home in a weird way. Hec reminds me of every middle aged rural man I know, including my dad. Stories about going on adventures through the New Zealand bush will always sit in my soul; the Uraweras are such a staple of this certain brand of storytelling, and reading jack lasenby books as a kid has meant I kind of always think of them as this sort of mystical place. I love the natural landscape of Aotearoa, being out in the bush always fills me with a sort of combination sense of peace, loneliness and connectedness. I really do just love the bush.
Enough about me. It’s 12.30am so rambletown is here.
It was a really lovely, simple book, clean and beautiful storytelling. I think rural kids everywhere would love it and all find something to relate to in it. It’s not too complex a read, but addresses much deeper topics. It really just is good.
But the ending?? I’m glad Taika changed it. Hearing the other perpective and what he thought happened to them in the end really left me with this sense of sorrow and hollowness. So that was a lot.
Also - when hiring people to read audiobooks, I think maybe next time it would probably be worth getting someone who can actually pronounce Māori words and place names?? But that’s just my two cents.
Altogether good book and I think my brothers would like it.
May 3, 2022
I watched "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" first and only then learned that it was based off of this book. My initial disappointment was that the book I ordered ended up having the cover from the movie and pictures from the movie within it as well. The book was enjoyable to read although I couldn't envision some of the scenes because they described things specific to the bush of New Zealand that I was just unfamiliar with. As with most movie adaptations, the parts of the book I enjoyed most weren't in the film! The author has a very simple writing style but it fit the story and setting. What I liked least about the book was the ending where it suggests Hec and Ricky died in the bush! After surviving in there for 19 months, having built a good relationship between them, and then having exciting prospects about their future which returned them to the bush for a short adventure, I was really unhappy at the suggestion that their 2 year absence was the likely reality of their "ragged skeletons lying at the bottom of some bluffs".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2024
A perfect niche that I didn’t know I was looking for, a wilderness survival story in New Zealand. I have read a lot about the Australian bush, which made this interesting both in that it’s a subject I already knew the basics of and knew I would be into, but also in that I got to know some of the differences between aus and nz which is knowledge that has always escaped me. I love that this went from chill bushcraft to not at all chill oh shit armed standoff to chill WAIT WE’RE NOT CHILLING yes we are etc etc. I liked all the characters which is a rare experience. It was really giving my side of the mountain which was a formative book for me and really made me appreciate the land I grew up on, this gave me the same appreciation for somewhere I have never been. The ending was interesting because it gave more of an unbiased perspective on the events of the book and it turns out we were never chilling and also because it destroyed me emotionally and I will be spiraling for an indeterminate amount of time following this in a very familiar way 🏞️
January 16, 2024
This is a young adult novel I had never heard of before I happened upon the audiobook on the Libby app. I enjoyed listening to the story of a young part-Maori teenager going to live with his aunt and uncle after being in foster care for awhile. After his aunt dies, Ricky and his uncle, Hick decide to flee into the bush of New Zealand to avoid the authorities who will take Ricky back into foster care. Ricky and Hick have to truly work to survive in the wilderness and avoid people so they don't get caught. Ricky had never lived in the wilderness before, so living rough is an adjustment and a learning experience. The story may be fairly predictable in several ways, but I enjoyed it and consider it a solid 3.5 stars.
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May 6, 2022This was a really enjoyable read. I'm not going to rate it because it's nothing I'm used to reading at all, but I want to give it 5/5.
It's in first person, in a teenage boy's PoV, and his voice is very distinct, as is his uncle's. If you've seen the movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople, you already have the basic premise here, but the plot of the book and movie are a little different. I liked both and recommend them. I do think the book is worth reading, whether you've seen the movie or not. I'm not really an adventurous person, but reading this did make me want to live in the wilderness too. I can't say adventure fiction usually has that effect on me.
It's in first person, in a teenage boy's PoV, and his voice is very distinct, as is his uncle's. If you've seen the movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople, you already have the basic premise here, but the plot of the book and movie are a little different. I liked both and recommend them. I do think the book is worth reading, whether you've seen the movie or not. I'm not really an adventurous person, but reading this did make me want to live in the wilderness too. I can't say adventure fiction usually has that effect on me.
March 14, 2023
around this time, […] I nearly came unstuck with my schoolwork. they wrote a letter saying they were so pleased with the standard of my work that they were considering putting me forward a whole year by stages. I was lucky having auntie bella on my side. she advised them against it[…] they left me alone for a while after that, but they always had me worried. fat maori boys can get in terrible trouble with those sorts of people. I was careful to get a few simple things wrong here and there after that.
an Adventure Story!!
the main thing about uncle hec and auntie bella, though, was that they liked each other. they were friends.
May 18, 2020
4.5 rounded down - This was very lovely and charming! I still have not gotten around to watching Hunt for the Wilderpeople and I'm glad I didn't see the movie first, but plan to watch it before we discuss this one at book club. I hadn't heard of the book or the author before. It was a very enjoyable survival-in-the-bush story. The ending had shades of Life of Pi, but I don't really have a strong opinion about it. A quick and fun read, and from the other reviews it sounds like if you enjoyed the movie the book is also worth your while, if quite different.
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