An interesting book, though it is very sad. This doesn't cover the whole of Edwards' life - as the title says, it's the early years: primarily her childhood, though the last few chapters cover her life as a young adult.

The book is mostly concerned with isolation, from both self and culture. Edwards started primary school in the mid-1920s, I think, at a time when the New Zealand school system tried to squash the Maori language out of its students. Felt so sorry for the poor little kid that she was, getting beaten by her teacher for not understanding English and speaking her own language. But the great tragedy of this can only be seen in the years of aftermath, in Mihi's perspective of herself...

Thought-provoking and sympathetic. I think there's a sequel? Will have to look it up.