This week on Book Series Wednesday I’m going to cover something a little bit different. I’m going to talk about a work of Historical “Fiction” that really isn’t fiction, but is more of a history of the subject with certain names changed. It’s Hawaii by James. A . Michener!
Plot: The novel tells the history of the Hawaiian Islands from the creation of the isles to the time they became an American state, through the viewpoints of selected characters who represent their ethnic and cultural groups in the story (e.g., the Kee family represents the viewpoint of Chinese-Hawaiians). Most of the chapters cover the arrivals of different peoples to the islands.
Plot: Well as it’s told through “Fictional” characters eyes you get to experience the history of Hawaii. It’s pretty great, I really enjoyed all the different view points throughout the book. It covers the settlement of the island to the time it became part of the US officially and a little bit beyond. Even if you aren’t a fan of history, you should give this book a try.
Characters: Each of the viewpoint characters is wonderfully done, although the first few are difficult to read for younger audiences.
Overall: If you enjoy history at all, you need to read this series. Even if you don’t like history, give this book a try.
For those who like: Historical “Fiction”, History, Hawaii.
Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above.
