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Review
“One novel you must not miss! A tremendous work from every point of view—thrilling, exciting, lusty, vivid, stupendous.” —Chicago Tribune
“A memorable novel, a superb biography of a people.”—Houston Chronicle
Book Description
The volcanic processes by which the Hawaiian Islands grew from the ocean floor were inconceivably slow, and the land remained untouched by man for countless centuries until, little more than a thousand years ago, Polynesian seafarers made the perilous journey across the Pacific and discovered their new home. They lived and flourished in this tropical paradise according to their ancient traditions and beliefs until, in the early nineteenth century, American missionaries arrived, bringing a new creed and a new way of life to a Stone Age society. The impact of the missionaries had only begun to be absorbed when other national groups, with equally different customs, began to migrate in great numbers to the islands. The story of modern Hawaii, and of this novel, is one of how disparate peoples, struggling to keep their identity yet live with one another in harmony, ultimately joined together to build America’s strong and vital fiftieth state.
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Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Michener's best -- Among my top 5 books of all-time,
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This review is from: Hawaii (Mass Market Paperback)
Early in the book, Michener tells a story of how man first arrived on Hawaii. The story is incredibly exciting and dramatic. What makes it so interesting is that his story couldn't possibly be too far from the truth. Hawaii is so distant from any other island. How could anyone have found it except by sheer luck? It's just fascinating to think about the extraordinary circumstances that must have arisen to compel a sufficiently large group of primitive people to leave their home and venture far out to sea. I first read this book about 16 years ago when I was a freshman in college. I stayed up all night reading it right in the middle of finals week, but I couldn't put it down. Since then, I have read most of Michener's books but still rate Hawaii as his best. It is always interesting to follow Michener's overlapping generations of characters. As the protagonists age, we gradually get to know their offspring. Each generation is a wild card. Some children further the good intentions and fortunes of their parents and others set the whole community back generations. The smooth transition between generations is the main reason it is so hard to stop reading. In classic Michener style, he frequently changes perspectives (native Hawaiian, American missionaries, Chinese, Japanese) and the reader can't help but feel compassion and understanding for each side of a conflict. Not that Michener is afraid to cast blame. Because he portrays each side so honestly, his political message has more credibility and is even more effective.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a vacation but just as great!,
This review is from: Hawaii (Mass Market Paperback)
This is a wonderful novel. Although the first chapter felt like it dragged on and on, the next 1000 pages flew by. While the novel is supposed to be ficticious, Michener has obviously done a lot of research. Many of the stories parallel with Hawaii's actual history. This novel is so good that you will find yourself reading into all hours of the night.My favorite books are as follows: Hawaii--Mitchner The Heart is a Lonely Hunter --McCullers The Children's Corner--McCrae Trinity-Leon Uris
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like it!,
By
This review is from: Hawaii (Mass Market Paperback)
I first tackled "Hawaii" as a young boy, partly for theadventure, partly for the violence, and partly for the naughty parts, probably what attracts boys to read lots of books. It taught me a lot about the history of the Pacific, despite being historical FICTION, as my parents often reminded me. True, but excellently written historical fiction. Mr. Michener can write historical fiction like no one else, once one gets used to his style.
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