A Fragile Strength: A Parihaka Novel - Softcover

Berwick, Patricia

9781979736558: A Fragile Strength: A Parihaka Novel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1979736553 ISBN 13: 9781979736558

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017

This second edition of A Fragile Strength differs from the first, showing why the father became so heartless and it also places the events at Parihaka, New Zealand, within the international colonization processes of the 18th and 19th centuries. The main character, a nameless girl, was at once both Maori and Pakeha and yet a misfit in both societies. Through the eyes of this brave girl, the story shows the multifaceted nature of processes involving outspoken parliamentarians, the colonizing land buyers and farmers, especially those who thought they bought land through the New Zealand Company in London. The Company had no rights to the land they sold. It destroyed the lives of many immigrants, but what happened to the Maori of the region – they lost everything, their language, their culture, their land, their all. Maori watched, waited and wondered how to retain their land, their turangawaewae. The messages from the wider Pacific spoke of kingships to create sovereignty over land and a new law in England prevented colonizers from taking native land, but this made little difference to the Parihaka land holdings. Parliament simply passed laws to say the government was the landholder and guardian. Te Whiti O Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi – leaders at Parihaka - spoke of peaceful protest, but this was read, by the wider society, as a prelude to violence. The girl tried to understand, to learn, and to find ways to help while looking for a solution for her own life difficulties.

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About the Author:

Dr Patricia Berwick was born in New Zealand where she currently resides. She has lived and worked in Europe, USA, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu and her native New Zealand. Peace and how it is achieved and sustained are her major driving life-forces. As an educationalist and anthropologist Dr Berwick has been involved in researching and writing much of her work life, publishing widely for government and private organizations. These publications explore social-historical works which include extensively researched works on Maori land claims and non-violent protests; international relationships books and papers; articles on human rights; ethics simulations for university students; education articles; and blogs. Wishing to reach a wider audience she ventured into the world of the novelist in 2012.

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