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196books's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Blood, Pregnancy, Body horror, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
Minor: Sexual content and War
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
bmpicc's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I wanted so badly to like this. My hope was to learn more about Hawaiian mythology and folklore. To get a feel for the islands and the strong women who inhabit them. What I got was a series of stories that didn't quite fit together and women I just felt sad for...
"There are ways to tell Hawaiian stories and ways to make Hawaiian stories vulnerable to the white hand. You'll need to be extremely careful with your choices." - Megan Kamalei Kakimoto
Content warning: There is a lot of language, bodily functions, abuse, etc. in these stories.
"There are ways to tell Hawaiian stories and ways to make Hawaiian stories vulnerable to the white hand. You'll need to be extremely careful with your choices." - Megan Kamalei Kakimoto
Content warning: There is a lot of language, bodily functions, abuse, etc. in these stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Blood, Pregnancy, Child abuse, Cursing, Toxic relationship, and Body shaming
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
kirstym25's review against another edition
dark
reflective
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
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Blood, and Body horror
Moderate: Body shaming
careinthelibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This is a good debut! I agree with other reviewers, the title story, which comes first, is the best of the bunch. That being said, I think they all had interesting moments in them and I liked how they were in concert with one another, sharing themes and imagery. They worked well as a collection together.
I recommend the audiobook format if you are unfamiliar with Hawai'ian sounds and words, it creates a smoother rhythm to the writing when you're not stopping and sounding it out.
Expect rich and vivid descriptions of blood, hair, folklore, relationships, sexuality, ghosts, and food in these feminist stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexism, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Cultural appropriation, Fatphobia, and Pregnancy
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