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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I highly recommend Sharks in the Time of Saviors! A view into modern native Hawaiian culture and the impact that rampant tourism has had on the culture. Magical realism, my favorite genre lately, combined with the reality of a family struggling with circumstances; each member working out their own identities finding themselves caught between their culture's native beliefs and the reality of daily life along with expectations taking their toll, something we can all relate to. I found the ending satisfyingly real as well as each characters circumstances at the book's conclusion. I love a book that remains with me long after reading the final sentence.
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had a feeling I'd like this one, and I'm so glad I did. The magical realist elements were lightly done, the language written as realistically spoken--complete with different linguistic quirks for each character--was beautiful, the Hawaiian culture made such a deep impression without catering to us haoles, and there were moments that I genuinely did not expect--a rarity for me. The end did rather abruptly introduce a potentially too-neat solution to some seriously overwhelmingly difficult situations for the Flores family in Hawaii, but at the same time I'm glad there was a little hope.
Quote Roundup:
P. 180: If a god is a thing that has absolute power over us, then in this world there are many. There are gods that we choose and gods that we can't avoid; there are gods that we pray and gods that prey on us;to there are dreams that become gods and pasts that become gods and nightmares that do, as well. As I age I learn that there are more gods than I'll ever know, and yet I have to watch for all of them, or else they can use me or I can lose them without even realizing it. Take money... Take language... Take you, my son.
P. 348: "Whenever I've made a choice in my life, a real choice... I can always feel the change, after I choose. The better versions of myself, moving just out of reach. ... I'm always losing better versions of myself. I don't know. You just have to keep trying."
Quote Roundup:
P. 180: If a god is a thing that has absolute power over us, then in this world there are many. There are gods that we choose and gods that we can't avoid; there are gods that we pray and gods that prey on us;to there are dreams that become gods and pasts that become gods and nightmares that do, as well. As I age I learn that there are more gods than I'll ever know, and yet I have to watch for all of them, or else they can use me or I can lose them without even realizing it. Take money... Take language... Take you, my son.
P. 348: "Whenever I've made a choice in my life, a real choice... I can always feel the change, after I choose. The better versions of myself, moving just out of reach. ... I'm always losing better versions of myself. I don't know. You just have to keep trying."
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Interesting story with some great writing!
First off, I am very proud to see the Hawaiian representation. Sharks In The Time of Saviors is such an incredible story full of Hawaiian legend, grief, complicated family dynamics, losing your path but finding your way home again. This is definitely one I will be coming back to when I need a piece of Hawaii in my life.
Now can I go back home, pls?
Now can I go back home, pls?