Bulibasha: King of the Gypsies

Rating:
Summary: Bulibasha : King of the Gypsies
Review: A truly powerful story the first time I read it was this year for U.E English. As a child of Maori lineage it fits right into being part of my culture. But mostly I found this novel both enjoyable and interesting, with a backdrop set in the early 1950's in the small rural community of Waituhi just a half hour outside of Gisbourne. Of a family who lived toegether with a christian basis and yet ruled over by a satirical rouge of a dictator type character. Tamihana Mahana better known through the novel as 'Bulibasha' just as his title suggests, Tamihana is a controversial character you found God or was rather found by God while in a field. The Lord's messenger in the form of a 'european angel' uses the typical contrast of the early Maori attitude of 'mistrust' as a basis for Tamihana's first encounter with the almighty. Suggesting that he was never truly a religious man until well, he 'wrestled' with an angel who was sent forth to bring him a message. Quite similar to Joseph and Mary being given a heavinly message from above. Tamihana use the biblical in a negative terminology, using the teachings of the bible to subjugate his 'own' seeds of the sown. His family, except Tamihana is no saint. Raping his wife 'Ramona' and kidnapping her from her engagement and impending marriage to her truelove Rupeni Poata at the tender age of seventeen. Tamihana is a literal 'monster' with little feelings and a typical selfishness and arrogance of his own strengths. Fantastic in the sporting arena, he had trophys from various sporting exploits, from rugby to track and field events. He is the borne athlete.

But even physical strength only takes one so far as Tamihana like many young Maori prior to the 1950's did not complete his schooling in 'school' raised on a farm, he may have exceeded in the sports lifestyle but he falls second intellectually as he grows older with a ripening Ramona giving birth to three sons in less than four years. Tamihana develops a nasty adversity to education, refusing to approve of any such form. In a changing world when european ideals transformed much if early Maori lifestyles and values through a changing period of early New Zealand History, Witi Ihimaera had superbly captured and set his story of Bulibasha.

With a Maori man of Tamihana's stature expressing many of the common views and attitudes of the traditional Maori values, yet Tamihana as a character though physically strong and content in a world he can mould and shape with his hands as a shearer, he is doomed for the future. Where Maori would have to change and adapt to survive.

Tamihana meets his match in the youngest grandson Simoen Mahana, a rebellious youth. Who is the exact opposite of Bulibasha, the 'new-age' against the 'old-age'. He is a representation of the 'next-generation' striving for an identity in one topsy-turvy world of mixed traditions and culture.

He is proud, honourable and educated. Simeon goes to school educates himself and is a threat and seen as little more than a kennel-dog by his grandfather the oppressor in the novel.

He works his tail off at the family homestead, cleaning, baby-sitting, butchering meat and the usual farm duties. From a rural family with a sheraing history, Simeon wants something more for himself and his own family's futures. Seeking education above the domestic-labour of his grandfather's lifestyles.

Bulibasha, is a complex novel that touches many heartstrings from being comical to serious and tear-streaking it is a masterpiece of Maori literature that I am proud to have read and digested.

My compliments to Witi Ihimaera on yet anither award winning best seller that touches the mind, the heart and the soul with each and every word.

Rating:
Summary: Bulibasha : King of the Gypsies
Review: A truly powerful story the first time I read it was this year for U.E English. As a child of Maori lineage it fits right into being part of my culture. But mostly I found this novel both enjoyable and interesting, with a backdrop set in the early 1950's in the small rural community of Waituhi just a half hour outside of Gisbourne. Of a family who lived toegether with a christian basis and yet ruled over by a satirical rouge of a dictator type character. Tamihana Mahana better known through the novel as 'Bulibasha' just as his title suggests, Tamihana is a controversial character you found God or was rather found by God while in a field. The Lord's messenger in the form of a 'european angel' uses the typical contrast of the early Maori attitude of 'mistrust' as a basis for Tamihana's first encounter with the almighty. Suggesting that he was never truly a religious man until well, he 'wrestled' with an angel who was sent forth to bring him a message. Quite similar to Joseph and Mary being given a heavinly message from above. Tamihana use the biblical in a negative terminology, using the teachings of the bible to subjugate his 'own' seeds of the sown. His family, except Tamihana is no saint. Raping his wife 'Ramona' and kidnapping her from her engagement and impending marriage to her truelove Rupeni Poata at the tender age of seventeen. Tamihana is a literal 'monster' with little feelings and a typical selfishness and arrogance of his own strengths. Fantastic in the sporting arena, he had trophys from various sporting exploits, from rugby to track and field events. He is the borne athlete.

But even physical strength only takes one so far as Tamihana like many young Maori prior to the 1950's did not complete his schooling in 'school' raised on a farm, he may have exceeded in the sports lifestyle but he falls second intellectually as he grows older with a ripening Ramona giving birth to three sons in less than four years. Tamihana develops a nasty adversity to education, refusing to approve of any such form. In a changing world when european ideals transformed much if early Maori lifestyles and values through a changing period of early New Zealand History, Witi Ihimaera had superbly captured and set his story of Bulibasha.

With a Maori man of Tamihana's stature expressing many of the common views and attitudes of the traditional Maori values, yet Tamihana as a character though physically strong and content in a world he can mould and shape with his hands as a shearer, he is doomed for the future. Where Maori would have to change and adapt to survive.

Tamihana meets his match in the youngest grandson Simoen Mahana, a rebellious youth. Who is the exact opposite of Bulibasha, the 'new-age' against the 'old-age'. He is a representation of the 'next-generation' striving for an identity in one topsy-turvy world of mixed traditions and culture.

He is proud, honourable and educated. Simeon goes to school educates himself and is a threat and seen as little more than a kennel-dog by his grandfather the oppressor in the novel.

He works his tail off at the family homestead, cleaning, baby-sitting, butchering meat and the usual farm duties. From a rural family with a sheraing history, Simeon wants something more for himself and his own family's futures. Seeking education above the domestic-labour of his grandfather's lifestyles.

Bulibasha, is a complex novel that touches many heartstrings from being comical to serious and tear-streaking it is a masterpiece of Maori literature that I am proud to have read and digested.

My compliments to Witi Ihimaera on yet anither award winning best seller that touches the mind, the heart and the soul with each and every word.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: Great Maori story on courage, standing up against authority and leadership.

Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS BOOK! WELL WRITTEN AND ENIGHTENING!
Review: I loved this book. As an American living in Auckland, New Zealand, I wanted to read some fiction by New Zealand authors. Now that I have read Bulibasha, I am working my way through Ihimaera's other books.

"Bulibasha" is a fascinating novel about two feuding Maori clans, told by the grandson of the patriarch of the Mahana clan. It is a brilliant portrayl of Maori family life in the 1950's. I won't give away any more. A must read for anyone interested in New Zealand, and a great read for anyone! It is required reading in our household.

Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS BOOK! WELL WRITTEN AND ENIGHTENING!
Review: I loved this book. As an American living in Auckland, New Zealand, I wanted to read some fiction by New Zealand authors. Now that I have read Bulibasha, I am working my way through Ihimaera's other books.

"Bulibasha" is a fascinating novel about two feuding Maori clans, told by the grandson of the patriarch of the Mahana clan. It is a brilliant portrayl of Maori family life in the 1950's. I won't give away any more. A must read for anyone interested in New Zealand, and a great read for anyone! It is required reading in our household.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely fantastic
Review: This is a magnificent story; it's very well written and is both funny and touching. Tho it's based on a Maori family, its themes of family, culture and patriarchy are universal, and this gives the book a broad appeal. Witi Ihimaera is clearly a very gifted author, and I look forward to reading more. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely fantastic
Review: This is a magnificent story; it's very well written and is both funny and touching. Tho it's based on a Maori family, its themes of family, culture and patriarchy are universal, and this gives the book a broad appeal. Witi Ihimaera is clearly a very gifted author, and I look forward to reading more. I can't recommend this book highly enough!