Cowrie [Paperback]

Cathie Dunsford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 1994

"A crucial novel, testing the nature of identity on personal, cultural and global levels". -- Audre Lorde "The first novel is a gentle, determined, insightful and womanful book". -- Keri Hulme

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Cowrie is a sexual sensual, queer, funny fat, complex character . . . Definitely worth the read." -- Barbaraism, Fat Girl

"Cowrie presents a refreshing and engaging approach to the central questions of cultural and sexual identity." -- Screaming Hyena

"Dunsford's treatment of multiple and conflicting identities that paradoxically sets Cowrie apart as one of a kind." -- Australian Women's Book Review

"In this gentle, glowing story, dreams and myths are interwoven with sensuous descriptions of food . . . anguish . . . celebration of love . . . sexuality." -- Australian Book Review

"There is freshness, humour and honesty in the writing . . . It both charms and enlightens." -- Canberra Times

About the Author

Cathie Dunsford is a writer, teacher and publishing consultant. She has written four previous novels, and she is also the editor of numerous anthologies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 123 pages
• Publisher: Spinifex Press (July 28, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1875559280
• ISBN-13: 978-1875559282
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,507,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read, August 1, 2009

By 

Jacque Cartwright "butterfly" (texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cowrie (Paperback)

I really enjoyed the story. I learned a little about the culture but at times I had to "skip" over some of the words lol or make my own names..I don't know much about Hawaii or the language but the story was good. Not much of a review, but I do recommend reading

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking for tribe, September 18, 2002

By 

"blissengine" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cowrie (Paperback)

Cowrie travels from her native New Zealand to Punalu'u, Hawai'i to find her long lost family and to reconnect to her heritage. She also finds herself attracted to Koana, a mother with two children, and is confused about Koana's mixed signals. Cowrie weaves her life into her new extended family's and slowly investigates the imagery in her recurring dream of the sea turtle woman. A sudden tragedy clarifies relationships, and Cowrie finds herself changed and connected to not only this new family, but also to her expanded heritage. Dunsford's poetic language and intense imagery of both Hawai'ian and Maori peoples makes "Cowrie" a joyous journey in the lush landscape of Hawai'i.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars crucial novel, September 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Cowrie (Paperback)

Cowrie is a crucial novel, testing the nature of identity on personal, cultural and global levels.

- Audre Lorde