Jeff N. (wild-life-photos) reviewed on 9/20/2018

Historical fictions in the style of James Clavell are my favorite novels and finding a good read in that genre isn't easy. "Maori" is an enjoyable book, with a story line that clearly was influenced by Clavell's "Taipan". But don't expect the level of character development in this novel that Clavell achieved in his vastly superior book. Maori's characters are more one-dimensional; for example, while the protagonists in both books are characters with both huge flaws and strong positives, Foster's Robert Coffin ends up feeling mostly dislikeable while Clavell's Dirk Struan leaves the reader with a stronger sense of admiration for him despite his flaws. The difference in achieving well-rounded personalities is equally as great when comparing the two mistresses, Robert Coffin's Merita and Dirk Struan's May-May. As long as you don't expect the nuanced character development of Clavell, "Maori" is a satisfying read.

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