A review by shiari
Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell

4.0

Sarah Vowell's wit and intelligence do not disappoint! Her description of the historical context and events that ultimately let to the (apparently illegal) annexation of Hawaii to the US is entertaining and informative. She provides the facts and contextualizes them so we understand fully all the various circumstances and issues at play. Her account is personalized through quotes from historical records and journals, interviews with people who live in Hawaii and her own insights as well as the occasional and impressive observation from Owen, her eight year old nephew who is clearly a historian and political analyst in the making. The addition of that personal voice does not detract in any way from the accuracy of the story she brings to us - rather, it increases the authenticity by adding a distinctly human element. And that, unfortunately, is something that was all too often missing in some of the decision making activities that led to Hawaii's becoming of the United States of America.