Elements Overwhelmed (Press, 8 December 1984)

"Through The Eye of The Thorn," published in 1984 by Tauranga Moana Press, marks the debut work of both the publishing house and its author, Robert De Roo. As stated in accompanying promotional material, De Roo is a multifaceted individual—writer, batik painter, and publisher. The novel, however, has received criticism for its lacklustre quality as a piece of literature. The central theme of the novel appears to be a manifesto representing De Roo’s belief in a nascent “new mind” in New Zealand—a fusion of Māori and Pākehā cultures. This vision is personified through the character Moana, who is described as a “goddess” representing a new era, directly influencing the name of the publishing house as well. De Roo has invested considerable time in learning the Māori language, which showcases his cultural commitment, yet the novel ultimately leaves readers with a sense that the writing is more of an obligation than a genuine creative expression. Critique highlights that the approach feels self-important, resulting in a heavy tone. The author's narrative voice tends to resemble that of a lecturer, bordering on patronising. Most characters and situations presented in the novel come across as stereotypes, functioning primarily to convey De Roo's overarching message. Various societal themes such as pubs, drug use, gang confrontations, transvestitism, reborn Christians, temporary employment, and racial tensions are mentioned, but their depiction lacks depth or convincing representation. While these elements could serve as valid foundations for a compelling narrative, the execution in De Roo’s work is seen as inadequate. Although there is a commendable sincerity and ambition in the author’s endeavour, the resulting novel does not elicit enthusiasm. It is particularly noted that the intended realist nature of "Through the Eye of the Thorn" falls short. The characters are not constructed with the depth necessary for a gripping plot, ultimately leading to a narrative where the author’s perspective overshadows the essential components of character and story development. Overall, while Tom Weston’s review acknowledges the sincerity behind the work, it concludes that "Through the Eye of the Thorn" struggles to achieve its ambitious vision due to its reliance on clichés and a lack of dimensionality in both characters and plot.

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