Here's an interesting book I bought for fifty cents at my local library sale. Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn is one of the most celebrated debut novels in recent memory, an epic of exile and salvation. Old myths clash with new realities, love is in a ride-or die with grief, faith rubs hard against magic, and comic flips with tragic. (cover blurb)
It's 1995 and seven year old Nainoa Flores falls overboard into the Pacific Ocean. Shiver of sharks appear in the water and one brings Noa back to his own mother. A legend is born. Noa's intelligence and a new sense of healing ability, a divine favor becomes a force in the household. Unfortunately the attention given to Noa means less is given to Dean, a talented athlete and basketball star, and sister, Kaui, a rebel in her own right. As the kids grow up, the family splinters. Then a particular incident occurs that throws a shocking curveball to the family.
Each person tells their tales in chapters and the book grows as you, the reader, pieces together how the family navigates the tough waters of life. I liked the voices and the overall Hawaii vibe. There was a lot of symbolism and allusions to ancient Hawaii lore. This was a different read/genre for me and I enjoyed it.
What an unusual story!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a different vibe
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