Here Upon the Tide – Read NZ Te Pou Muramura

I am the one for whom there is a defining moment.

Reviewed by Petra Verbeek Deputy Principal, Hamilton Christian School

This novel is told from two perspectives. 15-year old Milly, a victim of the Christchurch earthquakes, is bitter with grief and guilt over her mother’s death. Then there is 14-year old Amir who a Syrian refugee. Both have lost parents, their cities, and homes.

Their lives have been ripped apart by events completely beyond their control, and they are faced with working through feelings of loss and anger. Both teenagers are uprooted, having to move house and adapting to a new school. Milly is also subjected to bullying which curtails her opportunities of making new friends. The only thing that is able to calm her is the ocean and surfing with her father.