Winner of the 2020 Ockham Book Award, Auē is a gut-wrenching, unflinching story about young eight-year-old boy, Ārama trying to make sense of his violent, volatile world. It is also the story of his older brother, Tauriki who is ashamed of having abandoned his little brother, but needs to leave him behind in order to battle demons of his own. Ārama is determined to cling to love, even as tragedy and trauma unfold around him. Yes this is a brutal examination of gang culture in New Zealand, but it is far more importantly a story of aroha, hope, and redemption. Beautiful, emotional read, to be talked about for years to come. Essential read for all New Zealanders.
— Olivia