The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
anplica's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
megadan777's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed this debut novel. The story from the perspectives of all the members of a Hawaiian family and their trials and tribulations, suffering and redemption. Really enjoyed the perspective of all the different family members.
thesearethebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
lilalilli's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
3.0
This was weird. I wanted more of Nainoa, and less of... Pretty much everyone else.
courtsport3000's review against another edition
5.0
That was the most beautiful thing I’ve read in such a long time.
And that ending? Absolute poetry.
This story goes places and is much darker than I anticipated from the blurb. It’s an intense family drama with the slightest touch of magical realism. The sense of place is the strongest I’ve experienced in recent memory. Washburn writes realistic, believable characters that each bring something unique and necessary to this incredibly original tale.
I highly recommend the audio version. It’s read by several narrators, a distinct voice for each rotating POV. Hearing this novel in the accents and cadences of Hawaiian narrators enhanced this story beyond measure. It was fantastic to begin with, but the audio really took it over the top.
And that ending? Absolute poetry.
This story goes places and is much darker than I anticipated from the blurb. It’s an intense family drama with the slightest touch of magical realism. The sense of place is the strongest I’ve experienced in recent memory. Washburn writes realistic, believable characters that each bring something unique and necessary to this incredibly original tale.
I highly recommend the audio version. It’s read by several narrators, a distinct voice for each rotating POV. Hearing this novel in the accents and cadences of Hawaiian narrators enhanced this story beyond measure. It was fantastic to begin with, but the audio really took it over the top.
julieclair's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
An immersive family saga about how two seminal events in the life of the youngest son affect every family member forever. Strongly steeped in the legends of Hawaii, and the relationship between people and the natural world. A thoughtful depiction of the lives of “real” Hawaiians, far removed from the Hawaii most tourists experience. A great read that I will be thinking about for a long time. Great on audio.
sarah2309's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
reginasage's review against another edition
5.0
This book gave me the shivers... Often. I don't think I'll read it again, even though I probably should...
One thing that will stick with me from this book is a question about belief. The character Dean says something along the lines of, "I believed it, and I hated it." For days I've been thinking about the instances where I see people believing in things they wish they didn't, and the moments I find myself hating something I believe in, too. When do I do it? Why do I do it? What do I do, if I notice it in the moment? Is this behavior around belief healthy, or helpful to me, to other, to the world? I don't think this kind of belief questioning needs an answer, nor do I really want to find one--I think it is important for that question to sit within me for a long time.
The audio performance was beautiful. I had gooseflesh all the time while listening, because of the evocative and intimidating scenes of the the personifications of the land, the Old Ones, the energies that drive us. Scared enough I wanted to cry sometimes. It was beautiful and uncomfortable. I kind of need to have a break from feeling after reading this.
One thing that will stick with me from this book is a question about belief. The character Dean says something along the lines of, "I believed it, and I hated it." For days I've been thinking about the instances where I see people believing in things they wish they didn't, and the moments I find myself hating something I believe in, too. When do I do it? Why do I do it? What do I do, if I notice it in the moment? Is this behavior around belief healthy, or helpful to me, to other, to the world? I don't think this kind of belief questioning needs an answer, nor do I really want to find one--I think it is important for that question to sit within me for a long time.
The audio performance was beautiful. I had gooseflesh all the time while listening, because of the evocative and intimidating scenes of the the personifications of the land, the Old Ones, the energies that drive us. Scared enough I wanted to cry sometimes. It was beautiful and uncomfortable. I kind of need to have a break from feeling after reading this.
vandelay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5