Once Were Warriors

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A New Zealand classic, this novel is a raw and powerful portrayal of Maori in New Zealand society. A New Zealand classic, this novel is a raw and powerful portrayal of Maori in New Zealand society. Alan Duff's groundbreaking first novel is one of the most talked-about books ever published in New Zealand and is the basis of a major New Zealand film and won the Hubert Church PEN Best First Book Award. This hard-hitting story is a frank and uncompromising portrait in which everyone is a victim, until the strength and vision of one woman transcends brutality and leads the way to a new life. 'Alan Duff's first novel bursts upon our literary landscape with all the noise and power of a new volcano' - Michael Gifkins, NZ Listener

Author Bio

Alan Duff was born in Rotorua in 1950. He has written novels, including Once Were Warriors, One Night Out Stealing, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, Both Sides of the Moon, Szabad, Jake's Long Shadow, Dreamboat Dad and Who Sings for Lu, a novella (State Ward), several children's books and a number of non-fiction works. Once Were Warriors won the Pen Best First Book for Fiction Award and, along with What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, was made into an internationally acclaimed film. He was a featured writer at the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair. Coming from a family known for its love of literature and social justice, but also having experienced a harsh youth, Duff is also a social commentator and columnist. He was the driving force behind the Books in Homes scheme, which, with commercial sponsorship and government support, aims to break the cycle of illiteracy, poverty, anger and violence among underprivileged children by providing books for them to own. The New Zealand Listener claimed that Duff's debut, Once Were Warriors, 'bursts upon the literary landscape with all the noise and power of a new volcano', while acclaimed writer Witi Ihimaera wrote, 'This is the Haka, the rage of a people who, yes, once were warriors ... A kick to the guts of New Zealand's much-vaunted pride in its Maori/Pakeha race relations. A breathless fearless debut.' The Sydney Morning Herald heralded the sequel, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, as 'a masterpiece': 'powerful, authentic, moving, brilliantly written ... a profound and passionate novel ... a memorable experience'. The Australian praised its 'universal truths to be savoured for their poetic insight', while the Canberra Times called it 'a brilliant work ... poetic and full of hope'. The New Zealand Listener wrote that What Becomes of the Broken Hearted 'carries the story on with doubled brilliance. The new book is just as dynamic, just as in-your-face as the first one, but less violent, more layered, more fundamentally thoughtful and challenging.'