Reviews

Chappy by Patricia Grace

karentipsy's review against another edition

4.0

I found this story hard to get into, but by the end I loved them all a little bit.

maplessence's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars.

...Like my grandmother I can enjoy an conundrum for it's own sake. Not everything in the world has to be understood.

& on that basis I can certainly enjoy this book by one of New Zealand's most eminent writers. The prose is beautiful & I could quite happily read & let the prose wash over me.

But the multiple first person POV really confused me & I had to keep backtracking to make sure I was following was the one I thought I was following.

& in spite of the above quote (near the end of the book) was told not shown quite a bit of what motivated the enigmatic Chappy.

Minor quibble that I hope is fixed for overseas readers - no translation or explanations of the few words of Maori. .How hard would a footnote mihimihi to greet, pay tribute, thank be?

& this is rare for me. I didn't like the cover before I started the book, but it totally suits the book & I love it now.

emmap2023's review against another edition

1.0

This literary and descriptive book is sadly not for me, in the first 50 pages I found it difficult to keep my attention on the story or the characters, to me it felt strangely hollow and lacking in emotional depth that I was hoping to get.

With my new dnf rule and so many books to read I have decided I will not continue any further with this novel.

nicolaanaru's review

4.5

 

My responses to the works of Patricia Grace have been mixed, but Chappy is a novel I responded positively to. Alternating largely between the point of view of elder Aki; who discovers a Japanese stowaway who they come to know as “Chappy”; and Aki’s sister Oriwia, who eventually marries Chappy; the pair share their experiences and memories of a stubborn, mysterious, beloved man.

This book could have easily become unwieldy, and it is a testament to Grace’s skill that everything is contained and makes sense: the narrative takes place in Switzerland, Japan, China, Hawaii, and Aotearoa; and there are multiple languages and bloodlines and cross-cultural romances (without Pākehā) interwoven throughout the story. Juxtaposed with these big ideas are small, repetitive actions: Fishing, weaving, gardening, baking. There is a lot of tension, violence, and racism in this book; but also many acts of love, care, and hope.

To be well in spirit is the most important wellness. To be well in spirit lifts the physical and mental state to an extraordinary level. All are affected by it. Dark thoughts disappear.

 

christait's review

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

georgiegore's review

adventurous inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

At first I didn't enjoy this book but then I got halfway and it picked up. 

cmansfield's review

slow-paced

3.75

sarahoretsev's review against another edition

4.0

Patricia Grace is just a phenomenal writer. Absolutely phenomenal. This novel tells the story of Oriwia and Chappy, a Māori New Zealander and a Japanese migrant, pre WWII and post WWII, and the impact of the Japanese being an enemy of New Zealand on that relationship. Spanning New Zealand, Japan, Hawaii, and Europe, with other colourful characters such as Oriwia's grandson Daniel, who this story is being told to, and Aki (the ultimate go-between with these characters, who is also a fiery, beautifully written character - the way he refuses to tell this story in anything other than Māori, making Oriwia stay up all night translating it for her grandson? Outstanding, I stan), this novel weaves together history with the all encompassing question of "What is national identity and how does this shape who we are?" Beautifully written and emotionally told, once again, Grace just doesn't disappoint in the slightest.

suzibee's review

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

mogilvie's review against another edition

4.0

Entertaining read. Believable layered characters and a storyline that weaved through Asia Pacific and recent history.
Oriwia is an impressive individual who enabled her whanau with the drive and tools they needed to find security.
I felt more warmth for Aki, who seem wise and gentle, able to achieve his aims quietly.