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4/5 - This was a slow and enjoyable read for me.

The point of view of The Swamp was uniquely interesting. It worked to the book's benefit to enhance the reader's sense of being an active observer in the characters' lives. It connects us to everything, and all of the characters to each other. There is a rich history involved in the story, but unfortunately, I read this without an internet connection, so there were terms and stories I had to gloss over, guess through context, or resign myself to not knowing (since I couldn't look things up until later).

The writing was intentional and descriptive, which made for a dense yet enjoyable read. There were some large chunks of page-long text in the beginning that put me off, but then things started flowing much better throughout the rest of the book.

The characters were real, complex people with complicated stories, wants, and needs. By the end, it was as if they were all meant to be in each other's lives in fated ways. It served the themes of the book in that we have more in common than we have in difference, and that things have a way of working themselves out and finding a balance.

Wairere's abilities in particular reflect the emotional relationship we have with the world and with people, which can be overwhelming at times. We want to see the best in each other, but sometimes have to come to terms with those who would do us and those we love harm. We want to protect each other, but don't always know how. That can overwhelm us, or we can reach out to each other, try to connect with each other, and help out (This is what I personally took from the book).

*Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this opportunity!

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In a small coastal New Zealand town, three women and their families' lives intertwine, blending domestic drama, suspense, and indigenous folklore. Keri, Janet, and Sera navigate their unique relationships, while Wairere, a teenager with extraordinary gifts, must confront her true self to bridge the growing divides between their households, all against the backdrop of increasing extremism.

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Tina Makereti’s novel “The Mires” offers a gripping portrayal of the lives of three families in New Zealand. The story weaves their experiences together into a compelling narrative that reflects the current state of the world.

Among the families, one has indigenous roots, another is of European descent, and the third is a climate change refugee. The novel has been aptly described as a blend of "Little Fires Everywhere" and "The Island of Missing Trees."

Makereti explores life's daily struggles—both big and small—faced by these three families. The narrative incorporates Māori folklore, complex family dynamics, past domestic disputes, toxic masculinity, xenophobia, class issues, and more. The mires, or wetlands, are featured prominently and function as characters in their own right, revealing glimpses of the past lives that have existed on the land and the secrets known and unknown.

Although "The Mires" addresses challenging realities, it also emphasizes the positive aspects of change and humanity. I highly recommend this novel; it is suspenseful, beautifully written, and ultimately leans toward hope. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for providing this thoughtful ARC.

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