A review by nicolaanaru
Chappy by Patricia Grace

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.