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A review by bethaniekay
Honolulu by Alan Brennert
5.0
It's not often that I would give a book 5 stars here on Goodreads, but I really did love this book.
I wasn't really sure what to expect with this 'historical fiction' -- but although a staggering amount of research and planning must have gone into this book, it truly reads like the fictional story it is. It's possible that more of it is historical than I even realize, as there are so many details about things that I probably didn't even realize were 'real' as I was reading it; such as the clothing, music, language, customs, architecture, neighborhoods and foods, not to mention the real life characters (who are given brief mention at the end of the book, along with their photographs). All of this combined to create a highly descriptive and entertaining story -- the author really has an incredible way of painting a picture. This was one book I didn't want to skim, as I truly enjoyed all of the details.
As for the storyline - it was captivating and realistic and I really cared about all of the characters. I was also amazed at how he was able to weave together the pieces of the characters' lives in a believable manner (especially the 4 'picture brides'), instead of making the various events seem contrived just to suit the direction he wanted the storyline to go. I truly enjoyed following Jin and her family and friends along the paths of their lives.
Finally -- I admit that I dislike stories in which all the loose ends aren't tied up by the final page, and I was not disappointed here. The author managed to conclude everything in a perfect way, in my opinion, so that I turned the final page with a great sense of satisfaction.
An excellent read -- I'll be recommending this to others.
I wasn't really sure what to expect with this 'historical fiction' -- but although a staggering amount of research and planning must have gone into this book, it truly reads like the fictional story it is. It's possible that more of it is historical than I even realize, as there are so many details about things that I probably didn't even realize were 'real' as I was reading it; such as the clothing, music, language, customs, architecture, neighborhoods and foods, not to mention the real life characters (who are given brief mention at the end of the book, along with their photographs). All of this combined to create a highly descriptive and entertaining story -- the author really has an incredible way of painting a picture. This was one book I didn't want to skim, as I truly enjoyed all of the details.
As for the storyline - it was captivating and realistic and I really cared about all of the characters. I was also amazed at how he was able to weave together the pieces of the characters' lives in a believable manner (especially the 4 'picture brides'), instead of making the various events seem contrived just to suit the direction he wanted the storyline to go. I truly enjoyed following Jin and her family and friends along the paths of their lives.
Finally -- I admit that I dislike stories in which all the loose ends aren't tied up by the final page, and I was not disappointed here. The author managed to conclude everything in a perfect way, in my opinion, so that I turned the final page with a great sense of satisfaction.
An excellent read -- I'll be recommending this to others.