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booksjessreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
What a wonderful short story collection, one that I will come back to and reread for decades. And that opening story? Phenomenal.
This collection is for the most part, outstanding, with the occasional short story which didn't seem to have a clearer purpose, or was not fully clear in the plot and character development. Hence the 4.75 stars and not a full 5 stars. But I would say 90% of these stories are incredible. They all are so unapologetically about Hawaiian womanhood and culture, and some stories centre queer women which despite heavier content, was still wonderful to read.
There was also a lot of Hawaiian language in this book interspersed between English and I really enjoyed going away and searching the meanings of the words. There was also a chant in Hawaiian which I found a translation for and having this duality really added to the atmosphere of the stories and brought the Hawaiian culture and folklore to life.
I am very excited to read more from this author. A really talented writer!
This collection is for the most part, outstanding, with the occasional short story which didn't seem to have a clearer purpose, or was not fully clear in the plot and character development. Hence the 4.75 stars and not a full 5 stars. But I would say 90% of these stories are incredible. They all are so unapologetically about Hawaiian womanhood and culture, and some stories centre queer women which despite heavier content, was still wonderful to read.
There was also a lot of Hawaiian language in this book interspersed between English and I really enjoyed going away and searching the meanings of the words. There was also a chant in Hawaiian which I found a translation for and having this duality really added to the atmosphere of the stories and brought the Hawaiian culture and folklore to life.
I am very excited to read more from this author. A really talented writer!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Blood, and Body shaming
Moderate: Pregnancy, War, Sexual content, Cultural appropriation, Grief, and Eating disorder
Minor: Abandonment
annaavian's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In the diverse and vibrant culture of Hawai'i, female characters face unique challenges as they navigate their identities and try to harmonize traditional values with the reality of modern America. These women, ranging in age from teenagers to senior citizens, grapple with a range of issues such as gender roles, motherhood and body image, and must navigate the complexities of balancing multiple cultures. As they do so, they often encounter the spiritual energy and mysticism that permeates the island's legacy of ancestral warriors and mythical creatures, weaving magical realism and a sense of wonder into their individual journeys.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Blood, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Eating disorder
Minor: Abandonment, Cultural appropriation, and War
mmccombs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
This short story collection was fine! I don’t think this will stay with me, there were some interesting ideas but the writing was pretty bland. I did enjoy the sense of place and learning a bit more about Native Hawaiian culture. Themes about womanhood and desire and extraction and bodies linked the stories. I didn’t really care for the constant fatphobia and wished for it to lean a bit harder into the horror element of some of these stories. Unsure if I would necessarily recommend this one, but do try it if you are interested in Hawaiian stories that are often strange and about how hard it is to exist as a woman.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Body horror, Abandonment, and Blood
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