The Space Between

“The Space Between” by Lauren Keenan is a compelling novel that immerses readers in the lives of its two central characters, Matāria and Frances. Set in contemporary New Zealand, this novel explores complex emotional depths as these women, from vastly different worlds, find that their paths cross in unforeseen and transformative ways, where they will realise the importance of confronting the past in order to survive the future.

Throughout the story, Keenan skillfully weaves themes of grief, identity and cultural belonging, creating a detailed picture of emotional challenges and personal growth. The story is told from the alternating points of view of two women, in the form of one chapter each, which is sometimes frustrating because it breaks up the plotline, but it allows the reader to experience both points of view closely. Matāria, a Māori woman deeply connected to her heritage, is dealing with the loss of her father, and her place within both her family and her culture. Her journey involves balancing the burden of tradition with her personal desires and the demands of modern society. Frances, on the other hand, is a Pākehā woman, struggling with the loss of her brother and feeling lost in her job and life. An encounter with Henry White, a man from her past who once broke her heart, forces her into a journey of self-discovery and resolution in a land marked by conflict and change. Both women are affected by their losses but are drawn to each other by a shared need for connection and healing.

Keenan’s portrayal of the two women reflects the shared and unique challenges women face. The feminist undertones are clear, as both Matāria and Frances must navigate societal expectations while learning to reclaim their own voices: Matāria’s connection to her cultural identity and heritage, and Frances’ journey for personal freedom in a restrictive and sexist world. Their relationship, though complicated, helps them grow and discover themselves, teaching them the value of empathy, support and the power to change their own stories.
Their stories demonstrate what it means to be a woman, exploring themes of grief, friendship and self-empowerment, all of which can feel deeply personal and universally relatable.

Keenan’s writing style, both evocative and empathetic, immediately drew me into the raw emotional lives of these women. Her detailed portrayal of New Zealand makes the narrative all the more intriguing and adds further depth to the novel, making it not just a story of personal transformation, but one deeply rooted in the land and its people.

Overall, Lauren Keenan’s “The Space Between” is a captivating, inspiring novel that delves into womanhood, grief and cultural identity. This novel serves as a reminder of the power of connection and the strength found in navigating the spaces between who we are and who we strive to become. I highly recommend this novel and it is an essential read for anyone interested in stories of emotional resilience, cultural identity and female empowerment.

- Olivia is 15 and lives in Dunedin.