Wonderful Saga About Hawaii and it’s People!
I have never read a Michener book before this. I love historical fiction, but I somehow avoided this great author. Maybe because my father was such a fan, it turned me off for some reason, even unknown to myself.
Last year I mentioned to my father that I planned to read Hawaii. He told me that I would like it, but also advised me to skip the first chapter. He said it was so boring that he almost didn’t read the book. It turned out that my mother had read it first and when he complained she told him to skip the first chapter. He also told me that he looked forward to hearing what I thought. Unfortunately my dad passed away in September, but who knows, maybe he’s reading my review.
I didn’t follow my mom and dad’s advice; I started with the first chapter. I can see why they would have thought it was boring, but I really enjoyed it. You see Michener chose to start at the very beginning, with the formation of the land of Hawaii. I found both breath taking and informative.
Hawaii is a sprawling beautiful saga, both about it’s land and it’s people. The first inhabitants came over from Bora, Bora. Michener tells about their customs and their gods. From there, following a genealogical chart, the story grows and the years go by. Next the missionaries from America show up to bring their religion to Hawaiians that they see as heathens. Then the immigrants arrive. First the Chinese, then that Japanese and then the Filipinos. We learn about the harsh immigrant experience and how these cultures ultimately gained respect and intermingle to become the new race, Hawaiians.
I recently read an article about him, explaining that he normally moved to the places that he intended to write about. He immersed himself in the atmosphere and did his detailed research. It is apparent Michener really did his research on Hawaii.
There is not a boring moment in this long novel. Michener’s characters walk right off the page and absorb the reader into their world. I loved this novel and didn’t want it to end. Indeed, I was sad when it did. I highly recommend it, especially to historical fiction lovers.
5/5
I can hardly wait to read more James A. Michener. Hmm, which should I read next?
You decide (Disclaimer: I am not making any promises as to when I will read it):
Also reviewed at:
Book-a-rama
Glad you liked it. I’m chugging along through the end. I am liking it and it’s not a bad book but I’m not really grabbed by it. I’m not sure why.
I have enjoyed Michener’s books in the past. My favorite was Poland (so that one got my vote) with Texas a very close runner.
OK – my second favorite after Hawaii wasn’t on your list. Read Centennial!!!!
Chris,
Sorry it’s not grabbing you. I hope you found it worthwhile at least.
Wendy,
I’ll keep Texas in mind too.
Suzi Q,
I’ll also keep Centennial in mind.
I’ve so far avoided Michener like the plague. After reading your review, I may have to give him a try someday.
Thanks!
Lezlie
Hawaii is his best, I think. As a book that follows many generations of people in a particular part of the world, it fits the Michener pattern. With Hawaii, I really enjoyed being able to follow how the history of the land unfolded. But the length of time it covered was limited, so he was able to take the time to develop his characters a little better than with the other Michener books I read. I stopped reading Michener after The Source, which bored me silly.
Lezlie,
I avoided him for the longest time too.
Anonymous,
Thanks for the tip. I’ll avaoid The Source. I read the description of it and it sounded like it may be boring.
Nicola,
Thanks for the suggestions. They both sound good to me.
It was a real toss up for me between Alaska and Poland. But I decided on Alaska as my choice. I haven’t read all the ones you listed though. I’ve loved every single book I’ve read by him.
Being entirely prejudice, I recommend Texas;-) I’m glad you enjoyed Hawaii.
Kristy,
I’ll keep Texas in mind too!
I liked Texas when I read it years ago, and South Pacific was good too (if that is what it is called). It has been at least 15 years since I read a Michener book. I really should pick up another one!
Marg,
Thanks for the suggestions! I think you would really like Hawaii.
I have read Hawaii, and really liked it! Remember wondering if I would though based on that first chapter, which was interesting, but I doubt I could have read a whole book like that.
Marg,
I could never plow through an entire book like that! 17 pages was quite enough, but it was part of Hawaii’s history/formation and I liked it for that.
I haven’t read Michener…too long! However, you have piqued my interest. 🙂
I’ve yet to read a Michener, but I need to. Hawaii would be a great starting place. Thanks for the review!
Teddy, I voted for Alaska. I read Hawaii, Alaska and Mexica years ago, then somehow stopped reading Michener. But I’d still like to read Poland for sure and possibly some others. Or reread any of the three I have already read.
One of the things I like about reading bookblogs is that it makes me want to reread many of the books that I read long ago, because I read people’s reviews of those books. I used not to be much of a reviewer, but I have started to reread and am enjoying it a lot!
Joy,
I found Hawaii to be worth the investment in time.
Bookfool,
I haven’t read any Michener’s yet, but I think Hawaii would be a great place to start.
Myrhte,
I rarely re-read books, because my TBR is already to long to complete in my lifetime and I keep adding to it every day! LOL!
Thanks for voting!
Read “The Source”.
Teddy,
I noticed you still haven’t decided! I’ve only read Hawaii, but I loved it. I reviewed it at http://bibliofreakblog.com/fiction/hawaii-iby-james-michener/.
J.T.
P.S. I’m really sorry to hear about your Dad. My Dad passed away two years ago when I was 24. He wasn’t much of a reader, but I still find it hard not to have him around. He loved the Harry Potter books, so when the final one came out, I went to the cemetery and recounted it for him. Sometimes that helps.
J.T., I’m heading over to read your review. I’m so sorry about your father as well. We never out grow our parents, it’s hard.
Its the only James Michener book I’ve read actually. I actually liked it, very informative about different cultures, just wish it had some Asian male/white female couplings, but besides that, nothing to complain about. I actually loved the first chapter as well 😀 (One of the reasons I read it is because at the time I was dating someone who was a quarter Hawaiian.)
I haven’t read Michener, nor seen this movie, but of all things we have had the sound track of this movie on an LP since we were kids. This looks like one I should start with.