Notes

The first volume of New Zealand author, Witi Ihimaera's memoir, packed with stories of his formative years. Witi Ihimaera is a consummate story-teller, having created many fictional tales in his numerous books. Some of his most fascinating stories, however, are about his own life. This honest, stirring work tells of the family and community into which he was born, of his early life in rural New Zealand, of family secrets, of facing anguish and challenges, and of laughter and love. It is engrossing, it is funny, it is moving, it is vividly and inventively told, but more than this, it is a vital record of what it means to grow up Maori.