Rarely do novels achieve what Alan Duff's "Warriors" accomplished: it changed the self-perception of its country. For months, it topped the bestseller lists. The film adaptation broke all records in New Zealand's history and sparked a flood of debates and initiatives. With great intensity, Duff, who is Maori himself, tells the story of life in the Maori ghetto of Pine Block. He writes about Jake, the unemployed giant who can rely on nothing but his muscles and his left hook. About Beth, who, confident and resilient, tries to support and hold together her crumbling family. About the five children who get caught up in the turmoil until Beth's strength and vision finally show a way out. Duff's novel is written with anger and empathy. He spares no details, breaks taboos, and yet meets all his characters with the understanding they deserve.