Again the Bugles Blow
- Kirsten Edwards
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Author: Ron Bacon Illustrator: Robert Jahnke
From the inside front flap: "Rua, a young Maori boy with only a vague knowledge of the past from his grandmother's stories, is accidentally plunged back in time to the New Zealand of more than 100 years ago. Filled with bewilderment, he is forced to join the redcoats as they march south, pushing the Maoris ever further from their lands, down the Waikato, until their final stand at Orakau. The tragic battle of Orakau, the heroism of the Maori defenders and the strange part Rua plays in that battle are the climax to an exciting and authentic story. Equally well conveyed is Rua's bewilderment, his feelings of pity and horror, his intense interest in what is happening around him, and all the excitement of the time. "Again the Bugles Blow" was hailed as a 'classic tale' when it was first published. It will do much to awaken, in young New Zealanders, an awareness of the history of their land."
Ron Bacon, a beloved New Zealand children’s author renowned for his retellings of Māori myths and legends, steps into different territory with "Again the Bugles Blow", his only foray into historical fiction for young readers. This engaging, page-turning story transports readers to mid-19th-century New Zealand and beyond, blending the everyday life of a young Māori boy named Rua with a magical journey to the turbulent era of the Waikato Wars.
The tale begins with Rua, an intelligent and inquisitive boy, listening to his grandmother recount the story of their ancestor, Ruarangi, a warrior who fought at Orakau—the last stand of the Māori during the Waikato Wars in the 1860s. She shows him a broken tiki, a family heirloom imbued with magic and history, passed down from Ruarangi himself. When Rua ventures into the gully behind his house to play, this tiki becomes his ticket to the past. In a twist of fate, he finds himself not among his Māori kin but on the side of the British settlers, serving as a boy to a redcoat Lieutenant during the conflict.
Bacon’s storytelling shines here. Rua’s adaptability and courage leap off the page as he navigates this unfamiliar world, observing the war from a perspective that challenges his own heritage. The author deftly avoids imposing modern sensibilities on this 19th-century setting, keeping Rua firmly rooted in his time. This authenticity makes the narrative both compelling and thought-provoking, especially as it builds to a wonderful yet bittersweet climax. The battle’s outcome, steeped in the harsh realities of the Māori struggle, leaves readers reflecting on the welfare of the Māori people and the land they fought to protect.
The pencil-drawn illustrations, while somewhat amateurish, accompany the text with a raw simplicity that suits the story’s tone. They don’t distract from the vivid prose, which carries the weight of the tale.
At its core, this is a living book—one that breathes life into history without bogging down in excessive detail. It’s an ideal introduction to the Waikato Wars for young readers, recommended for ages 10 and up.
As Bacon’s sole historical fiction work, "Again the Bugles Blow", stands apart from his extensive catalog of picture books focused on Māori folklore. It’s a testament to his versatility and commitment to illuminating New Zealand’s cultural and historical landscape for children. Second-hand copies are still circulating, and this gem is highly recommended for anyone seeking a poignant, accessible slice of history. It’s a story that lingers, balancing adventure with a quiet call to remember the past.
The Battle of Orakau, or Rewi's Last Stand, took place between the 31st of March and the 2nd of April 1864. The Maori under Rewi Maniapoto, consisting of Tuhoe, Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Maniapoto forces, many of whom were women, refused to surrender, saying "E hoa, ka whawhai tonu mātou, Āke! Āke! Āke!". "Friend, we will fight on forever, forever and forever!"
Copies are available online. Book Express is an excellent New Zealand online secondhand retailer. Otherwise, check the link below.
That book sounds perfect for next year's history (year 6). Thanks, I'd never heard of it before.