I really can't read the cover of #TheGovernor as anything other than a romance novel. First up we've got Grey standing there in a classic alpha male pose in the centre of the image. Understandable given this is a book about him. But we've also got him frame by two lovely women.
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A beautiful blonde Englishwomen who one presumes is either his wife Eliza or (given the amount of bosom showing) a demi-rep stands behind Grey. The background behind her is one of society and 'civilisation' - cultivated lawns, large houses, and expensive clothing.
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In front of Grey we have 'Māori princess' (at least I'm assuming this will be her role). Unlike the Englishwoman, she is kneeling in front of Grey and the background behind her appears to be a battlefield - some British soldiers helping a wounded comrade...
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She also seems to be wearing a man's shirt (perhaps one of Grey's) but otherwise doesn't appear to be in any duress. Perhaps this is a symbol of Grey's civilising nature? The power differences between the two women are clearly articulated by their positioning in relation to Grey.
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And of course, we can't read the cover image of
#TheGovernor without also reading the text that accompanies it: "The powerful, passionate story of 19th Century New Zealand - and of George Grey, the man whose life and loves made and moved a nation."Prikaži ovu nit -
So despite
#TheGovernor 's back blurb suggesting a negative portrayal of Grey, the cover positions him as a romantic hero - a man torn between two loves (Pākehā and Māori) and positions his actions a result of this tension. (Please excuse me while I throw up a little...)Prikaži ovu nit -
Okay so
#TheGovenor begins with a mysterious encounter with a Māori great-grandson of Grey. An ominous warning and a tragic death. "Only angels and fools ignore the potential power of tapu... the talisman of truth still protects me" (p.4-5)Prikaži ovu nit -
I'm sorry I need to pause before I can read any further. I'll be back I promise!
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Ok so I've pinned this thread so it's easy to find again. I'm back to the book this morning and so far Grey has been constructed as a somewhat likeable young man with stupid superiors placed in an awkward situation. He hasn't made it to Aotearoa yet though...
#TheGovernor#NZWarsPrikaži ovu nit -
A prostitute has totally just flashed Grey "green stockings, white thigh, and a dark red triangle of pubic hair." and is fondly remembering an encounter with another sex worker...
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"To be free of poverty and ignorance was to be free from the English landlord. Who could argue with the wisdom of that observation, [Grey] thought. The land was all and everything a people had." p8 - I'm a little worried where
#TheGovernor is going with this...Prikaži ovu nit -
Now we jump to Te Wherowhero fighting in the musket wars. He's depicted a bit arrogant, but definitely within the "noble savage" trope
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"[The musket] was a strange weapon to Te Wherowhero not beca of its military superiority over his traditional weapons, nor because of any mechanical wizardry, bt beca it was worked from a distance & by anybody, as in this case by an inferior, a man no better than a slave." p8-9
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There's an interesting juxtaposition here between Grey & Te Wherowhero. Grey is young, uncertain, & questioning. Determined to do the right thing. Te Wherowhero is proud, arrogant & sure of himself & the world. He feels guilty for breaking a promise to Te Rauparaha.
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This is also when we first encounter Rewi Maniapoto who "gazed in wonder at the blood soaked figure of the great chief [Te Wherowhero]" p11 & Te Rauparaha who is described as "a small man with a rat-like face."
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