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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
James Michener’s ‘Hawaii’ is an epic sweeping tale that, much like his other books, captures the history and depth of a place. The book spans human and geologic time, from the forming of the islands to right before statehood. It follows the many intertwined families of the people who came to and made a home on these islands. Overall, a brilliant work.
I have one warning to share and one weakness to discuss. First, the warning. The book is written about characters who are of their time, with all the complexities and prejudices that entails.
As for the weakness? While this book starts strong with the native Hawaiians is does not end that way. Much of the center of the book is devoted to the scions of the missionary families and to waves of other immigrants, particularly the Chinese and Japanese. During this section the native Hawaiians take a back seat. In the last section of the book this changes somewhat, with the introduction of a couple of intriguing characters. But, they are not used to the fullest of their potential. I think this is a bit sad in a book about Hawaii!
Nevertheless, an excellent story.
I have one warning to share and one weakness to discuss. First, the warning. The book is written about characters who are of their time, with all the complexities and prejudices that entails.
As for the weakness? While this book starts strong with the native Hawaiians is does not end that way. Much of the center of the book is devoted to the scions of the missionary families and to waves of other immigrants, particularly the Chinese and Japanese. During this section the native Hawaiians take a back seat. In the last section of the book this changes somewhat, with the introduction of a couple of intriguing characters. But, they are not used to the fullest of their potential. I think this is a bit sad in a book about Hawaii!
Nevertheless, an excellent story.
adventurous
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of the first big books I ever read. Unlike most of the folks I've talked to, I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning. The science and the scholarship in general is horribly out of date, but I would like to reread it to revisit the ideas that help shape generations of folks think about the US involvement in the Pacific.
I had to re-read this after going to Hawaii and the Iolani Palace. Jerusha, you should have held out for the dude who was not a one-legged religious fanatic, just saying.
I absolutely loved it! It did take me a little while to read, but I enjoyed every minute of it! There is so much history in it, the characters are fantastic and the stories great. I would recommend it to anyone who'll listen :)
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated