Rape In Paradise

by Theon Wright

Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, History

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1981

Reviews

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one (or should that be, two?) of the most bazzar and incredible crimes in Hawaiian (perhaps in American) history. Not only is it hard to count the number of crimes involved in this story; it's impossible fathom the extent of the injustices that followed.

I'm not sure, but I think I read this book long before 2005... but, since that is the only publication date I can find on Goodreads, I'll go with that.

I do remember enjoying this true crime story very much, in spite of the serious angst caused by the feelings of hopelessness, tragedy and incredible social injustice engendered+. Now, I've come across this story, again, very nicely recounted in the novel that I am currently reading, 'Honolulu' by Alan Brennert. Even in the fictionalized retelling, it is still such sad, sad tale..

I'd forgotten that Clarance Darrow was involved at the tail end of this case (more accurately: these cases). Now I want to read: 'Honor Killing' by David E. Stannard, which I think will be about the second of the (at least) two unbelievable trials resulting from this story.

There's also a PBS dvd, The Massie Affair: American Experience, about this case, that I just added to my Netflix Queue.

The good stories just keep coming up again and again. I'll recommend all the books and videos mentioned in this review to anyone partial to Hawaii's history.

[Anthony Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a frequent visitor to Oahu this story really hits home, I’ve walked or driven nearly every location mentioned. Sadly the bigotry and subjugation described of the non-white races are reminiscent of the those on the mainland specifically the native Americans and African Americans. There’s one quote in the book comparing Honolulu to a reservation, great read, very thought provoking.

[Gail Baugniet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonder why Hawaii didn't become a state until 1959? This book explains one of the reasons. A true-story mystery that asks harsh questions: Why would (the victim) lie about what happened? Did HPD manufacture evidence? It may not be your children's Hawaii 5-0, but it's gritty and unsettling history.

[R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read about how Hawaiians were harshly subjected to the bias of the legal system due to the heavy influence of a select group of people among both family dynasties and the U.S. Navy. And the irony is that most of these family dynasties emerged from poor, well-meaning missionaries and fledgling traders whose descendants apparently lost their moral compass.

A very spoiled and disagreeable young woman falsely cries rape and in a matter of months the lives of numerous Hawaiians and their families are put through hell. Even the woman's own husband, a Naval officer, believes the lie and does the unthinkable. And then after the dust had settled, no formal apologies were offered and no charges were ever brought against the lying woman. Plus, the famous--although I prefer to describe him as infamous based on this case and his other previous defense cases--defense attorney Clarence Darrow, the so-called great humanitarian, never showed any remorse for his far less than professional behavior and determined ignorance of the facts.

[C.L. Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a tragedy... and because of the outcome, it is a difficult read - the narrative leading toward a no-mans land of compounded injustice. The story is an important one, however, for losing it would nullify a life taken of Kahahawai and a lack of justice based on racial and economic elitism.

The book itself of a well researched historical who, what, when, where, and how with a bit of editorial thrown in. An editor would have been helpful as it can be repetitive though it's 1966 publication will allow for a bit of leeway. This book serves as a standard to tell the story and on which many others are based. It's a three star book with an added star for importance.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Incredible book to come out of the 60’s, detailing a seminal trial that impacted Hawaii. I continue to be aghast at how very badly Calvinist missionaries were for Hawaii, in each and every succeeding generation until the present day. Just vile what was introduced and still has repercussions to this day, and it all can be traced back to US colonialism.

[Barbara Kluver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A True Crime story of a rape that takes place on the island of Oahu. An interesting story of the miscarriage of justice, primarily because of racial prejudice. Very sad...

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational and eye opening story.