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All That We Know
'I don't want to be a pioneer. I want to be the last; to enjoy the fruits of everyone else's hard labour' - Māreikura
'Whatever you do, please don't read me a grief quote from the internet' - Chloe
'God loves you' - Eru
'You're never too much for the right person' - Jordana
Meet Māreikura she's in love with her best friend Eru, who's leaving to go on a church mission, and she's an accidental activist - becoming an online sensation after her speech goes viral. But does she really want the spotlight?
Navigating self-diagnosed ADHD, a new romantic relationship, forging friendships and reclaiming her language all at once is no easy feat. And as her platform grows, Māreikura is unwittingly placed on a pedestal as a voice for change against the historical wrongs of colonisation. The question at what personal cost?
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, All That We Know is a modern take on family and friendship and how, even in a divided and often polarising world, the resilience of friendship, love, and connection can defy the greatest challenges of our times.
The stunning debut adult novel from award-winning writer Shilo Kino, All That We Know interrogates the far-reaching consequences of colonisation while simultaneously making you laugh and cry. Perfect for readers of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Greta & Valdin and Such a Fun Age.
'Whatever you do, please don't read me a grief quote from the internet' - Chloe
'God loves you' - Eru
'You're never too much for the right person' - Jordana
Meet Māreikura she's in love with her best friend Eru, who's leaving to go on a church mission, and she's an accidental activist - becoming an online sensation after her speech goes viral. But does she really want the spotlight?
Navigating self-diagnosed ADHD, a new romantic relationship, forging friendships and reclaiming her language all at once is no easy feat. And as her platform grows, Māreikura is unwittingly placed on a pedestal as a voice for change against the historical wrongs of colonisation. The question at what personal cost?
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, All That We Know is a modern take on family and friendship and how, even in a divided and often polarising world, the resilience of friendship, love, and connection can defy the greatest challenges of our times.
The stunning debut adult novel from award-winning writer Shilo Kino, All That We Know interrogates the far-reaching consequences of colonisation while simultaneously making you laugh and cry. Perfect for readers of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Greta & Valdin and Such a Fun Age.
344 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
37 people are currently reading
1613 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
July 10, 2024
Wow. Just Wow.
I'm going to start off with.. I truly believe this is one of those rare books that everyone needs to read at least once in their life, the message that this pukapuka holds is POWERFUL, and I feel like Shilo Kino has really set the bar for NZ literature with this exceptional adult novel.
We have our main wāhine Māreikura, who is navigating through life, fighting the struggles and impact of colonization, decides to take the mantle of learning Te Reo Maori and ends up being an accidental activist. She is staunch and "speaks her truth" no matter how hurtful it could be to others.
WE ALSO HAVE OUR BAE JORDANA!
Māreikura and Jordana meet at the full immersion kura, and they click straight away! I love Jordana's personality and how loyal of a friend she is. 👏 She and Māreikura decide to start a podcast series based on their journey whilst learning Te Reo Māori and they tackle some heavy and uncomfortable topics, which I absolutely loved with having different perspectives from both the girls.
Māreikura carries so much mamae, so much anger throughout her journey, and it starts showing more dominantly in the second half of the book. I really enjoyed her personal growth and seeing it through her eyes, walking in her shoes, I felt the change. When you start your reo journey, its not just our language you learn, its so much more, and the ending had me sobbing 😭
This pukapuka made me laugh, It made me think (and dam did I want to have a kōrero with someone about it) There was parts I was in full shock, relatable kōrero and scenes that touched my heart and made me realise I wasn't alone. Most importantly, it reminded me of my values. That I am a taonga, and to be the best mokopuna that I can be for my tīpuna.
"He kākano āhau, i ruia mai i Rangiātea."
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6/5
I'm going to start off with.. I truly believe this is one of those rare books that everyone needs to read at least once in their life, the message that this pukapuka holds is POWERFUL, and I feel like Shilo Kino has really set the bar for NZ literature with this exceptional adult novel.
We have our main wāhine Māreikura, who is navigating through life, fighting the struggles and impact of colonization, decides to take the mantle of learning Te Reo Maori and ends up being an accidental activist. She is staunch and "speaks her truth" no matter how hurtful it could be to others.
WE ALSO HAVE OUR BAE JORDANA!
Māreikura and Jordana meet at the full immersion kura, and they click straight away! I love Jordana's personality and how loyal of a friend she is. 👏 She and Māreikura decide to start a podcast series based on their journey whilst learning Te Reo Māori and they tackle some heavy and uncomfortable topics, which I absolutely loved with having different perspectives from both the girls.
Māreikura carries so much mamae, so much anger throughout her journey, and it starts showing more dominantly in the second half of the book. I really enjoyed her personal growth and seeing it through her eyes, walking in her shoes, I felt the change. When you start your reo journey, its not just our language you learn, its so much more, and the ending had me sobbing 😭
This pukapuka made me laugh, It made me think (and dam did I want to have a kōrero with someone about it) There was parts I was in full shock, relatable kōrero and scenes that touched my heart and made me realise I wasn't alone. Most importantly, it reminded me of my values. That I am a taonga, and to be the best mokopuna that I can be for my tīpuna.
"He kākano āhau, i ruia mai i Rangiātea."
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6/5
September 15, 2024
3.5!
A lot of really relatable parts of Māreikura personality to mine and my mates! One thing that probably was a bit unrealistic was Māreikura’s bullying treatment of Pākehā in the story. I personally don’t know any kaiako Māori that wouldn’t have pulled her up on the way she was treating others in this story during her haerenga reo. I think we need to move away from the discourse of gatekeeping the reo for only Māori. Would have been a good opportunity to show that we support the haerenga reo of Pākehā! Heoi, he tino pai ki au ngĀ kōrero e pa Ana ki te āhua o takatāpui x
A lot of really relatable parts of Māreikura personality to mine and my mates! One thing that probably was a bit unrealistic was Māreikura’s bullying treatment of Pākehā in the story. I personally don’t know any kaiako Māori that wouldn’t have pulled her up on the way she was treating others in this story during her haerenga reo. I think we need to move away from the discourse of gatekeeping the reo for only Māori. Would have been a good opportunity to show that we support the haerenga reo of Pākehā! Heoi, he tino pai ki au ngĀ kōrero e pa Ana ki te āhua o takatāpui x
July 14, 2024
6 STAR READ
How would I convince non Māori to pick this book up? “If Sally Rooney was Māori, this would be the book”
How would I convince māori to pick this book up?
“Bro, pick this book up or I’m telling nan 😂”
Honestly such powerful writing, such an amazing story, and this touched on so many issues within Māori
Shilo Kino is amazing 🥰🥰🥰
For sure an auto buy author.
How would I convince non Māori to pick this book up? “If Sally Rooney was Māori, this would be the book”
How would I convince māori to pick this book up?
“Bro, pick this book up or I’m telling nan 😂”
Honestly such powerful writing, such an amazing story, and this touched on so many issues within Māori
Shilo Kino is amazing 🥰🥰🥰
For sure an auto buy author.
July 12, 2024
I loved this book! Such in inspirational read, as a Pākehā wahine it has given me a lot to reflect on and think about. Such a powerful read.
I looked forward to reading more of Shilo Kino’s work.
I looked forward to reading more of Shilo Kino’s work.
December 28, 2024
4.5. Reviewing as a pākeha. A great and easy read, but uncomfortable at times. I think in a way I’m a little bit of a Chloe, trying and listening and learning. Blessed to be in the orbit of some great tangata whenua (including two by marriage) who are very open to supporting that listening and learning. Māreikura’s kaupapa is one that prickled me as I know and see the truth in it, and those are my ancestors who took it all away from Mareikura’s ancestors… so it definitely sat uncomfortably with me.
I did like the way that platforming was addressed, it is an inescapable part of society these days. That narrative is also able to be extended beyond the racial lens too, into different parts of society where “hot takes” and “platforms” see many people wanting to “cancel” others swiftly and severely. It’s a bit of a disease.
The author’s note at the end was very good, too, along with the historical timeline. I learned some things in those last two pages alone!
Will be telling people about this one.
I did like the way that platforming was addressed, it is an inescapable part of society these days. That narrative is also able to be extended beyond the racial lens too, into different parts of society where “hot takes” and “platforms” see many people wanting to “cancel” others swiftly and severely. It’s a bit of a disease.
The author’s note at the end was very good, too, along with the historical timeline. I learned some things in those last two pages alone!
Will be telling people about this one.
September 8, 2024
felt so many feelings reading this. saw myself reflected in māreikura in her rage at the past, frustration at the present, and deep desire to figure out who she is. saw myself reflected in jordana who is actively trying to process her learning and to working out how to straddle the line. saw myself in the other māori in this story who are comfortable in te ao pākehā but still identify so strongly in te ao māori. i feel seen, conflicted, thoughtful, hopeful, sad, grateful. this needed to be written.
October 22, 2024
Ko te kōrero tuatahi, e ako tonu ana au i te reo māori. Ko te reo pākehā taku reo tuatahi. Nō reira, e marama ana au i ngā wheako o Māreikura.
Ko te mea pai ki au, he pukapuka māmā ki te pānui. E rata ana au i te whaitaketanga ki tēnei wā. Tata ki te tau 2024 me ngā raru o tēnei tau. He ātaahua ētahi whiti. I ētahi wā, i tangi au, i pupuhi taku ngākau.
Heoi, i whakaruhia au e te pūrākau nā te wauwau āwai o Māreikura.
E marama ana au i tana riritanga, i te pōuritanga. E riri ana, e pōuri ana ahau hoki. Engari, kia tau. Kāore tāea e au te whakawera ki tōna waiaro. Kei a ia tētahi raru i ngā mea katoa. I kimi ia mō ngā raru. Ki au, hiahia ai ia ki te whawhai. Maroke!
Waihoki, he hoa kino ia. Kāore ia i pātai atu ki ōna hoa, pea ana koe, kei te aha koe. Ki a ia, ko ia te pito o te ao.
Uaua ki te pānui mai i tōna tirohanga.
He whakaaro pai tēnei pūrākau, engari, ki au, ehara te kaituhi i te kaituhi pai. Kāore au e whakamarama i te take, engari ko tēnā taku whakaaro.
Ki ōku nei whakaaro, he haratau tēnei pukapuka mō ngā tāngata tiriti, ngā tāngata pākehā hoki ki te marama i te mamae o ngā tāngata māori. Ehara tēnei pukapuka māku.
Ko te mea pai ki au, he pukapuka māmā ki te pānui. E rata ana au i te whaitaketanga ki tēnei wā. Tata ki te tau 2024 me ngā raru o tēnei tau. He ātaahua ētahi whiti. I ētahi wā, i tangi au, i pupuhi taku ngākau.
Heoi, i whakaruhia au e te pūrākau nā te wauwau āwai o Māreikura.
E marama ana au i tana riritanga, i te pōuritanga. E riri ana, e pōuri ana ahau hoki. Engari, kia tau. Kāore tāea e au te whakawera ki tōna waiaro. Kei a ia tētahi raru i ngā mea katoa. I kimi ia mō ngā raru. Ki au, hiahia ai ia ki te whawhai. Maroke!
Waihoki, he hoa kino ia. Kāore ia i pātai atu ki ōna hoa, pea ana koe, kei te aha koe. Ki a ia, ko ia te pito o te ao.
Uaua ki te pānui mai i tōna tirohanga.
He whakaaro pai tēnei pūrākau, engari, ki au, ehara te kaituhi i te kaituhi pai. Kāore au e whakamarama i te take, engari ko tēnā taku whakaaro.
Ki ōku nei whakaaro, he haratau tēnei pukapuka mō ngā tāngata tiriti, ngā tāngata pākehā hoki ki te marama i te mamae o ngā tāngata māori. Ehara tēnei pukapuka māku.
December 14, 2024
note: currently writing this with tears in my eyes!!!!
wow i’m so glad i read this. i only put it down once - to use the wharepaku and grab kai. i just couldn’t stop reading.
it is so special to read this as a rangatahi living in Aotearoa today even as someone who is pākehā and most similar to a character like chloe. this pukapuka speaks to a lot of really tough questions we’re all struggling to answer, curated in the most beautiful writing. exactly what i needed to read - characters like me (young, opinionated, queer, full of aroha) struggling with the same issues as me (colonisation, terrible government, pressure on young activists etc) albeit my pākehā lens lol
wow i’m so glad i read this. i only put it down once - to use the wharepaku and grab kai. i just couldn’t stop reading.
it is so special to read this as a rangatahi living in Aotearoa today even as someone who is pākehā and most similar to a character like chloe. this pukapuka speaks to a lot of really tough questions we’re all struggling to answer, curated in the most beautiful writing. exactly what i needed to read - characters like me (young, opinionated, queer, full of aroha) struggling with the same issues as me (colonisation, terrible government, pressure on young activists etc) albeit my pākehā lens lol
October 7, 2024
Despite not really liking the protagonist (I felt like she was all talk and no action for most of the book). I devoured it, loved the other characters and I loved the themes that were covered. I felt Shilo did a great job of showing both sides.
September 3, 2024
Really hard to review. I liked what the story was about but couldn't get behind the protagonist and didn't love the writing :( Sorry! But I do think everybody should read this book.
January 7, 2025
Raced through the start of this book, loved the setting and perspective on current Aotearoa. Felt a bit repetitive in the second half and some things were left unresolved.
February 15, 2025
This book broke me but in the best way. I cried six times—real, unstoppable tears, the kind that sneak up on you. One minute you’re reading, the next your vision is blurry, and you’re feeling everything all at once.
I loved everything about this book. It’s raw, it’s messy, it’s powerful. Māreikura is not here to be liked. Watching her evolve, struggle, fight, and grow felt like watching something sacred unfold.
Books like this are why I believe everyone should read. Reading isn’t just about stories—it’s about feeling. Feeling is how we heal, how we learn, how we connect. And this book? It makes you feel everything. I think this is one of those books that changes you without you even realising.
Every New Zealander should read this. It’s that important.
I loved everything about this book. It’s raw, it’s messy, it’s powerful. Māreikura is not here to be liked. Watching her evolve, struggle, fight, and grow felt like watching something sacred unfold.
Books like this are why I believe everyone should read. Reading isn’t just about stories—it’s about feeling. Feeling is how we heal, how we learn, how we connect. And this book? It makes you feel everything. I think this is one of those books that changes you without you even realising.
Every New Zealander should read this. It’s that important.
July 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️’s!
Honestly such a brilliant book and such a deep insight into a culture that we don’t learn alot about in the UK. The protagonist was a bit hard to read at points with her opinions but that added to the story so much you can’t fault it - it’s done for a reason! And the ending was chefs kiss 👌🏽👌🏽
Honestly such a brilliant book and such a deep insight into a culture that we don’t learn alot about in the UK. The protagonist was a bit hard to read at points with her opinions but that added to the story so much you can’t fault it - it’s done for a reason! And the ending was chefs kiss 👌🏽👌🏽
April 29, 2025
I am my ancestors wildest dreams ❤️ such a beautifully written book navigating the complexities of colonisation, activism, race, religion, friendship, love!!! much to think about! 5 stars!!!
December 8, 2024
Kino contributes an important page in the history of contemporary Aotearoa fiction with her anxious, smart, socially forward character Māreikura who inhabits a world she doesn't quite fit into. I really enjoyed how this book was weighted -it felt finely balanced between Gen Z angst fest and social commentary. Very clever.
December 10, 2024
I found Māreikura hard to like, but that didn't lessen my love for this pukapuka. A very relevant novel, in the heat of Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and David Seymour's meddling. I encourage all New Zealander's to read it, to understand it. I related to Māreikura's whakamā when learning her reo and I felt the same of being disconnected to my own roots - Nan's character is my Grandad! A very timely book, get your mitts on it.
November 15, 2024
A well timed read as the Treaty Hikoi heads to Wellington. About the courage and burden of being a young activist who is reclaiming their identity lost through colonisation. 'We are all just trying to find our way home'. Anything by Shilo Kino will be on my to read list.
March 23, 2025
I’ll be thinking about this one for a while. Phenomenal read capturing modern day activism (side note: so rare to find social media well-incorporated into a written plot) and the varying impact of intergenerational trauma of colonisation in Aotearoa - executed through incredibly formulated characters.
February 7, 2025
Amazing.
So many elements had me nodding along to, and then feeling ashamed of my part in colonisation, and then right back to being an ally. It's all the journey; recommended reading.
Go out and buy immediately.
So many elements had me nodding along to, and then feeling ashamed of my part in colonisation, and then right back to being an ally. It's all the journey; recommended reading.
Go out and buy immediately.
December 28, 2024
Lots of introspection reading this, and a truly magical ending! Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori.
August 25, 2024
Related to the protagonist Măreikura, her whănau and te reo Māori tauira. Author had a great understanding of te reo trauma. Surviving is just that, staying afloat. Not the time to enjoy the water or learn how to swim. Whakamā, te reo weaponized, choosing a wage to put kai on the table vs language revitalisation. Mana motuhake vs tokenism/performative. Authenticity vs religious dogma. The cost of activism to whānau. The many layers to achieving rangatiratanga. Toitū te reo Māori.
November 18, 2025
FIVE! 5 stars. It's a 5 and I'd give it more if I could. Read this book!!
December 11, 2025
Wow this hits hard. I struggled for a long time to understand why she was so angry at everyone, but that's exactly the point isn't it? Read this book - you won't regret it.
January 25, 2025
Excellent!!!!
October 18, 2025
Rock solid 5 stars because:
-I loved the characters. Even though Māreikura was tough to take initially, her character arc is wonderful and believable. Jordana cracked me up - quintessential ride-or-die friend. We all need an Aunty Lois and a Grandma Simpson.
-The story navigated many confronting issues that are the legacy of stolen land and languages and oppressed Indigenous peoples. If colonialism (powered by capitalism) is not the most evil thing that has ever hit this planet, I have no idea what is.
-I do not have a huge sample size to draw from, but this is the first time the issue of religion in te ao Māori has come up in a novel I have read. Reading the author's notes, it sounds like she comes from a religious background, explaining the sensitive and thoughtful treatment of this subject.
-Weirdly, I appreciated the book was written and published recently enough that our current (terrible and racist) government gets a mention. Reading this book made me feel hopeful in what is otherwise an ongoing political dumpster fire.
Very much looking forward to reading other books by this author.
-I loved the characters. Even though Māreikura was tough to take initially, her character arc is wonderful and believable. Jordana cracked me up - quintessential ride-or-die friend. We all need an Aunty Lois and a Grandma Simpson.
-The story navigated many confronting issues that are the legacy of stolen land and languages and oppressed Indigenous peoples. If colonialism (powered by capitalism) is not the most evil thing that has ever hit this planet, I have no idea what is.
-I do not have a huge sample size to draw from, but this is the first time the issue of religion in te ao Māori has come up in a novel I have read. Reading the author's notes, it sounds like she comes from a religious background, explaining the sensitive and thoughtful treatment of this subject.
-Weirdly, I appreciated the book was written and published recently enough that our current (terrible and racist) government gets a mention. Reading this book made me feel hopeful in what is otherwise an ongoing political dumpster fire.
Very much looking forward to reading other books by this author.
August 21, 2025
I avoided this book last year because the cover looked booktok-romance-girlypop (not my style). I have eaten my works I def shouldn’t judge a book by its cover !!(who knew)
I enjoyed the writing style. I loved the use of te reo. A very good book to gain perspective and learn my impacts as a pākehā learning te reo. A very hard and heart wrenching storyline. I disliked that most of the characters were thought of romantically. The main character wasn’t perfect which is good but sometimes I felt annoyed as I think she a bad friend. She was very agitated / had a very negative attitude. I think it’s the point of the book though. I don’t think she’s wrong for feeling the way she does. I just think hurting other people isn’t a good response to her feelings. Trauma is hard
I would read more books by this author as easy read and with more likeable characters
I’d probably read again as an easy read.
I enjoyed the writing style. I loved the use of te reo. A very good book to gain perspective and learn my impacts as a pākehā learning te reo. A very hard and heart wrenching storyline. I disliked that most of the characters were thought of romantically. The main character wasn’t perfect which is good but sometimes I felt annoyed as I think she a bad friend. She was very agitated / had a very negative attitude. I think it’s the point of the book though. I don’t think she’s wrong for feeling the way she does. I just think hurting other people isn’t a good response to her feelings. Trauma is hard
I would read more books by this author as easy read and with more likeable characters
I’d probably read again as an easy read.
September 12, 2024
I knew before I finished this pukapuka that I would give it 5 stars.
It has been a while since a book has brought me to tears. It has been a while since a book has encouraged me to reflect so deeply and honestly within myself.
This book captures an accurate depiction, an accurate reflection of our current time in Aotearoa. From activism, to colonisation, to culture revitalisation.
This thought provoking must-read is a taonga.
Toitu te reo māori.
It has been a while since a book has brought me to tears. It has been a while since a book has encouraged me to reflect so deeply and honestly within myself.
This book captures an accurate depiction, an accurate reflection of our current time in Aotearoa. From activism, to colonisation, to culture revitalisation.
This thought provoking must-read is a taonga.
Toitu te reo māori.
July 16, 2025
I really liked the book, which I read with the Māori Dictionary website open because there was a lot of reo and I don't really know much beyond primary school level. The only thing that let me down was the ending, it all felt a bit conveniently wrapped up especially Eru's story line, it just seemed unbelievable to me.
October 21, 2024
So good! A YA take on the impact of colonisation, but with some really interesting topics discussed.
And it’s been waaay too long since I read something with a Māori wahine protagonist. Loved seeing my own journey to reclaim my reo reflected on the page 🫶🏼
And it’s been waaay too long since I read something with a Māori wahine protagonist. Loved seeing my own journey to reclaim my reo reflected on the page 🫶🏼
December 21, 2024
Honestly Shilo Kino is a genius, there are so many insights, tidbit slice of life moments in this book. If you have gone through the journey of reclaiming your reo, you will see yourself in this book. You will know these characters. I’m still thinking about this book. 1000/10
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews