Advanced
Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for Sleeps Standing by Witi Ihimaera - Wait list

Sleeps Standing

A Story of the Battle of Orakau

by Witi Ihimaera
Hemi Kelly
ebook
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks
Place a hold Read a sample Read a sample
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks
Both fiction and fact, this fascinating book is a kaleidoscopic exploration of the Battle of Orakau. During three days in 1864, 300 Maori men, women and children fought an Imperial army and captured the imagination of the world. The battle marked the end of the Land Wars in the Waikato and resulted in vast tracts of land being confiscated for European settlement. Instead of following the usual standpoint of the victors, this book takes a Maori perspective. It is centred around Witi Ihimaera's moving novella, Sleeps Standing, which views the battle through the eyes of a 16-year-old boy named Moetu. Alongside the novella are non-fiction narratives from Maori eyewitnesses, together with images and a Maori translation by Hemi Kelly, further giving voice to and illuminating the people who tried to protect their culture and land. It is estimated that, at the height of the battle, 1700 immensely superior troops, well-armed and amply resourced, laid siege to the hastily constructed pa at Orakau. The defenders were heavily outnumbered with few supplies or weapons but, when told to submit, they replied: 'E hoa, ka whawhai tonu matou, ake, ake, ake!' 'Friend, I shall fight against you for ever, for ever!'

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Loading