Book Review: Talia

Talia
by Isla Huia
Reviewed by Maia

This debut collection from the Ōtautahi poet is heartfelt, grounded and intimate, inviting us into Huia’s world of connected and collective relationships with people and places. Named after her late best friend, these poems are heavy with grief and swirling in devotion. This collection is vulnerable and precise, travelling through and between the streets of Christchurch like a supercut of sweet memories. An ode to the 03, to youth and friendship and Māoritanga. This book is so, so special to me. For fans of Birdspeak by Arihia Latham, Long Road Trip Home by John Allison, Āria by Jessica Hinerangi.