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In the 1990s young Michael Mahana's aunt hands him the diary of his Uncle Sam Mahana, who served with the New Zealand forces in the Vietnam War. The diary contains the astonishing revelation that during the war the young Sam Mahana had a love affair with an American helicopter pilot named Cliff Harper.
This section of the novel contains gripping descriptions of scenes from the Vietnam conflict. After the war Cliff Harper came to New Zealand to visit Sam.
Now, in the 1990s, armed with his uncle's diary, Michael Mahana goes searching for his uncle's former lover in the United States.
Witi Ihimaera's powerful new novel explores Maori attitudes to sexuality and masculinity and contains some of his most engaging writing so far. But first and foremost it is a romantic love story which demands our attention as it slowly unfolds.
'The Uncle's Story challenges all attitudes and encourages the recognition of spiritual beliefs in the reader. With every word the emotions of the soul are challenged and shine forth. Love, sorrow, grief, anger, despair, all are laid bare, and the reader cannot help but be caught up in the turmoil and the feelings of the characters and become a part of the life of the novel.' City Voice, 16/11/00.
'The Uncle's Story is a meditation on what it means to be both gay and Maori and provides some interesting insights. A beautifully written and engaging story.' Evening Standard, 11/12/00.
'Ihimaera is at his brilliant best in weaving two cultures - Maori and gay - together in an enthralling whole that grips the attention to the final page.' Wairarapa Times-Age, 2/12/00.
'The Uncle's Story is a stunning read - a real page turner that passionately confronts Maori attitudes to sexuality and masculinity. There's no doubt the book will provide some people with food for thought and challenge them to look at their values.' Gisborne Herald, 8/11/00.
ISNB: 0143018981
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