Witi Ihimaera - The Whale Rider
New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera, a prominent Maori writer talks to Harriett Gilbert about his book The Whale Rider.
Acclaimed Maori writer Witi Ihimaera talks to Harriett Gilbert and a group of readers at the Cheltenham Literary Festival about his magical, lore-laden novel, The Whale Rider.
It tells the haunting story of a spirited Maori girl, her tribe and their mysteriously intertwined destinies. Kahu, a 12-year-old girl struggles to become the chief of her tribe but her grandfather Koro, whose attention she craves, believes that this is a role reserved for males only.
Kahu will not be ignored and in her quest she finds a unique ally: the whale rider himself, from whom she has inherited the ability to communicate with whales.
Once this sacred gift is revealed, will Kahu be able to assume her rightful position and lead her tribe to a bold new future?
(Image: Witi Ihimaera 2015)
(Credit: XAVIER LEOTY/AFP/Getty Images)
Last on
More episodes
Broadcasts
- Sat 7 Jan 2012 20:05GMT大象传媒 World Service Online
- Sun 8 Jan 2012 03:05GMT大象传媒 World Service Online
- Sun 8 Jan 2012 14:05GMT大象传媒 World Service Online
Ten Amazing Interviews
Favourite episodes of World Book Club, featuring Maya Angelou and Henning Mankell.
Crime Fiction
Henning Mankel, Patrica Cornwell, Jo Nesbo: stars of the genre discuss their craft.
Tales from History
From the tulip fields of 17th Century Amsterdam to the trenches of World War One.
Podcast
-
![]()
World Book Club
The world's great authors discuss their best-known novel.
