House of Thieves

by Kaui Hart Hemmings

In her debut collection of short stories, House of Thieves, Kaui Hart Hemmings has set the magnificent islands of Hawaii as a backdrop to describe bold frustrated adolescents and adults as they wrestle with themselves and each other over the age-old issues of deprived freedom, misguided love, being cool, and being true; and as they experience together the loneliness of feeling miserable in paradise.

The nine stories in House of Thieves are told from varied points of view – a father, a child, a young woman, an adolescent boy, and more. Rooted in the circumstances and situations of island people, they reveal the mundane cycle of small triumphs and tragedies that make up the lives of ordinary people everywhere. A single mother’s discovery of a pornographic magazine in her thirteen-year-old son’s room sends her down a spiral of jealousy that ultimately guarantees her loss of him. A middle-aged man struggles with this secret hatred for his brother and finds a way to enact a revenge whose absolute destructiveness promises to heal him. A white man who is left by his native Hawaiian wife struggles to understand why he and his daughter, abandoned together, feel such deep resentment for each other. A boy who insists on the illusion of his happy family suddenly recognizes his father’s lack of real love and comes to “the understanding that certain things are severed and they can’t grow back again, the sorrow from loving a place that doesn’t love you back.”

Hemmings’ tart, confident voice plunges headfirst into the unfamiliar world of a Hawaii far from the tourist track, providing glimpses of the islands’ divisive racial and class issues, as well as the proud heritage of kings and warriors and the legacy of colonialists and missionaries. Her unceremonious dealing with issues like drugs, sex, and abandonment and her entirely unself-conscious prose allow her stories to wash effortlessly like an ocean wave, portraying with unsentimental insight and wry humor the complex forces that bind family members together in love and hate.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Novels, Young Adult, Contemporary, Collections, American

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2005

About the author

I'm the author of The Descendants, House of Thieves, The Possibilities and Juniors, a YA novel. My next novel, How to Party with an Infant will be published August 9 2016. Visit my website:
https://www.facebook.com/KauiHartHemm...
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kauiharthemmings#

Reviews

[Maile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaui Hart Hemmings makes me uncomfortable. Her stories are lovely: funny, clever dialogue; surprising characters; smart and engaging plots. One of my favorite bits from Minor Wars:

"Oh, mercy. I need to change some habits. I'm an ass," I say.

"You're my dad," Scottie says.

"Yes," I say. "Yes."

"You're a dad-ass. Like a bad-ass but older."

"Mercy," I say.

She makes good jokes. What leaves me unsettled about this book is that I don't recognize the Hawaii she writes here. At the heart of each of these stories is a wealthy white family. There is a pro-surfer turned Republican state senator; a lot of teenagers dealing with their parents' divorce or estranged siblings; a lot of adults dealing with love of someone from another culture. I can see that this Hawaii exists: I went to Punahou, I drive by the Waimanalo polo fields, I overhear Kailua wives talking about their timeshare options. It is interesting to have a smart, self-deprecating inside look at how the other half lives in Hawaii.

It just leaves me wanting in so many respects. One character resents his brother because he has stayed to take care of the family while the brother has been free to make lots of money. That's recognizably a Hawaii problem to me. But the plot moves past tidbits like these so quickly it's hard to feel they're explored fully. Maybe that's the limitation of short stories. Then again, maybe I'm looking too hard here for the book I need to write.

[Meredith Enos · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first work I've read by Hemmings. We are about the same age, and we went to rival high schools, and know some people in common--and the thing that struck me the most is just how different her Hawai'i is/was from mine. The wealth is a part of it (I don't think it's a spoiler if I tell you this collection could also be titled, The 1%ers of Hawai'i), as is the casual racism, the lifestyles, the willful ignorance and misinformation, the way Hawai'i and its people and cultures are just props. At this point, I can't tell if this voice is intentional from Hemmings, or if it's her worldview and she's merely giving voice to it, because all the stories read similarly.

These are the themes I found. Feel free to disagree:
-Sullen, knowing adolescent daughter with long, light brown hair
-Groups of hard living young adolescent girls
-Philandering dad
-Calculative/manipulative women
-Women trying to marry up
-Sad, cold, rich, snobby, white people
-Minorities as servants, radicals, or druggies
-Incest
-Father/daughter, mother/son issues
-One parent always missing
-Foreignness

The only people who have any agency or self-awareness or internal life are the knowing teenage girls. It's tiring, all the fumbling around that happens, all the people not saying things, all the truths belligerently revealed, all the things that don't quite happen.

Also, because of the tone, I can't tell if the narrative voice--the whole damn set up, really--is genius, or atonal from lack of perspective. Seems like, in this specific slice of the populace, she is pitch perfect, and the criticisms I have regarding place (these stories seem like they could be happening anywhere--easy setting because she's from O'ahu, or the perfect encapsulation of the disregard these characters for what's around them, from the place to their families?), minorities (they only appear as domestics or druggies or radicals--ridiculous stereotyping, or a way to show how self-involved these characters are?), wealth (omg so much entitlement, but is it just a way to show how removed they are from each other and the world?), and more.

I read a lot of Hawai'i literature, but historical and contemporary, from local authors. This book is not like any of those books, and the characters are not relatable local characters. This really reads like contemporary American fiction, where the hook is that, instead of rich white people in Martha's Vineyard, it's rich white people in Hawai'i. With a Hawaiian reference or two thrown in. One of the things that come through the strongest is that these characters know they are foreign. They measure it in their mixed kids' features, their super white activities (sukiyaki night? shudder). They understand the undercurrents of status, race, and wealth--and channel them to advantage, even the kids. And in her own upbringing, so has Hemmings (her step father was a pro surfer-turned-politician; exclusive private school, Stegner, etc.). She is a talented writer, and her prose is both crisp and poetic, and she has clearly made the most of the opportunities she has been given. I just think it's problematic that the most successful author of contemporary Hawai'i fiction tells stories of rich, white people (and is that because her talent is so huge, or her version of Hawai'i is palatable to the fiction market?).

So at this point I don't know if it's artistic voice, or author identity--how much is calculated, how much is talent, how much is craft. If there was a story here that cut across that narrative, or had a different voice or ending or flow, something to cleanse the palate, I would be able to see if it's genius, or if Hemmings has found an angle to work and is just going for it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories by Hawaiian author Kaui Hart Hemmings. The stories often feature families and their tensions and issues, particularly between adolescents and their parents. They are well written, hard-hitting, somewhat angsty tales of struggles, sadness and dysfunction.

Although the book is set in Hawaii it seems to be a fairly white, upper class version of Hawaii. There are some references to the setting, culture, and ethnic tensions but largely it felt as if the stories could have been set anywhere. Several of the stories have a somewhat incesty feel to them. Overall it was well written and I would read another of her books.

[Laura Hoffman Brauman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so impressed with her novel, The Descendants, that I decided to pick up her short story collection. While I admired her writing style, it did feel like these were a lot of stories about unhappy/angsty teens and horrible parents, many from wealthy families. A little too "one note" for a collection of short stories - each on it's own stood well, but together it felt like variations on a theme.

[Byron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of short stories by the author of The Descendents, which was adapted into the Alexander Payne film starring George Clooney. (I haven't seen it yet, nor have I read the novel. I need to get on both like yesterday.) The novel was based on the first story in this collection, The Minor Wars. I enjoyed the whole damn thing. I'd describe it as a sort of Hawaiian equivalent of that movie The Ice Storm, set in the late '80s/early '90s, against a beautiful, semi-exotic backdrop like the one on the cover. Lots of broken, fairly well-off families, kids who don't get along with their parents, sometimes white, sometimes native Hawaiian, sometimes a little bit of both - or else this would be the textbook definition of white people problems. Don't go anywhere near this if you don't like the idea of people who have a lot of money who are somehow sad. Otherwise, have at it.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the finely crafted prose and insider perspective on what it's really like to live in Hawaii. But is there some rule that short story protagonists have to be unappealing? Because we wouldn't spend a novel's worth of time with characters this unappealing but authors figure a short story is the right amount of time? That's my operating theory after reading this collection. Some characters were lovely and all were well-done and complicated, but I grew weary of spending time with the selfish, messed up ones.

[Pua Hawaiʻi Book Blog]

Hemmings writes her stories with a tight narration, carefully choosing her words--stinging when she needs to and pulling back before the pain overwhelms. I found most of the stories easy to read and engaging, and in many cases consider them a different kind of escape. Instead of losing myself in a world of fantastic discovery, I found myself perversely enjoying entering into the thoughts of these characters and enduring the often awkward and frustrating attempts to connect in their stressed associations.

Read the full review here: http://www.hawaiibookblog.com/article...

[Laurie Hanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll say right off I’m a big fan of this Kaui’s writing. I read this book because I was intrigued to learn it contains the short story which later became The Descendants. Throughout the book she realistically portrays every range of human emotions as her characters deal with situations and relationships that run from uncomfortable to gut wrenching. Yes, the back drop is scenic Hawaii and the characters are decidedly upper class. But they could be you or me, regardless of who we are or where we live. There are no tidy endings for this author; each story leaves the reader shaken, and wanting more.

[Larry Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love everything Kuai Hart Jennings writes, and this collection of stories is no exception. These glimpses into the young people in the upscale Hawaiian communities show the normalcy of growing up in this exotic tropical paradise for what it is, not necessarily so different than anywhere else.

[Ms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is somewhat unsettling. It is very good, and Kaui is a bright young author, but be aware that the stories do not end where you'd think/hope they might. I am looking forward to reading her newest release.

[Laura Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story collections are always a little tricky to review. I’ve come to enjoy Kaui Hart Hemmings’ writing. “The Descendants” was the first book I read by her, and there’s actually a short story that came from that book. But there were obviously more stories and more characters and none of them were connected. I suppose they were all in Hawaii and that’s a connection. Anyway.

I appreciate Hemmings’ ability to write such different stories with the wide array of characters she has here. Some of the stories I liked, some not so much. The majority I only felt so-so about. Interestingly, the last one, “The After Party” was by far the strongest. I weighed how much I liked each installment by how much I’d like to read an entire book based on the characters included. While the majority of characters were unlikeable or just didn’t hold my attention, “The After Party” just felt real and I found myself caring for this small, broken family. It definitely left me wanting more in the best way.

[Cari Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was an excellent introduction to Kaui’s writing style. Of course, The Descendants, was more emotionally charged and for me (and many others) much more easy to connect with because it was a fully fleshed out book with more dynamic characters with multiple desires, shortcomings and strengths, but I overall enjoy the concepts of Kaui’s writing. Even rich and in paradise, people struggle. Of course, I agree that we could also see non-rich people struggle in paradise, or maybe see paradise a bit more in different ways (and not just of those with Princeville-like qualities), but for all these things, I love a small glimpse in the evolution of Kaui’s writing from House of Thieves to The Descendants.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books by Hemings and have enjoyed them all. Her short stories perfectly balanced of tragedy, depth and humor. I am not sure if a reader unfamiliar with Hawaii and “the club” would understand and enjoy it as much as I have.

[MaryJo Gingras · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this book. It is a series of short stories that are not connected and don't really have good plots.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all stories were 5 stars, but I love her writing, so I am rounding up!

[Katie Saesan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading Kaui Hart Hemmings's work because they make me homesick for Hawaii, but her storytelling is also really incredible.

[Book-reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every story in this book is a gem, with real momentum, stories that tell you things about today's Hawaii that you never would have known otherwise. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

These short stories are well written yet mundane. That seems to be the authors point but each one felt shallow and none of the characters were interesting or likeable. Just not my cup of tea.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a worthwhile read, but it gets to be a bit much after awhile. It's all depressing and starkly real- maybe a little too real. It becomes difficult to read after awhile. The characters, the plotlines, the setting- it's overwhelming. Too harsh, too dramatic, too something.

Though I did love the last line of the collection, even if it was a bit heavy handed, the reference to "the sorrow that comes from loving a place that doesn't love you back." Beautiful.

Reading "The Minor Wars" was especially interesting, as it was later developed into The Descendants. It was interesting to see a bit of the writing process, or at the very least the seed that became a novel.

[Abuela Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by the author of "The Descendants," House of Thieves consists of short stories about people who live in Hawaii, and live lives of separation, longing, loneliness, loss and basically broken lives. I wish there could have been one happy ending. My tolerance for depression is pretty high, but this book tested that tolerance. While I was reading this book, I felt like a voyeur, like someone listening next to a fence to stories unfolding in a house/garden next door--and not for public consumption. One sees intimate glimpses of lives and emotional damage and pain. I thought a book about Hawaii would be a pleasant summer read, and I am glad I read it, but it was not a "summer" read.

[Joseph Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as uniformly enjoyable as "The Descendants", but still an fine collection of keenly observed, cutting stories about the bonds and betrayals within families. Interestingly, the story that later became "The Descendants" (called "Minor Wars") is among the weaker offerings -- it lacks the spark and warmth of the novel. The peculiar insularity of island culture and the still-festering grievances of Hawaiian history provide a crucial background -- the stories are universal in the sense that these types of dramas could be set anywhere, but the Hawaiian setting heightens the sense of constraint and, at times, desperation, that fills these stories.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of her book "THE DECENDANTS" or fans of short stories, this would be a good read. The strongest stories Minor Wars (which is what The Descendants is based on) and Begin with an Outline are the reasons I've rated this so high. I also really liked The After Party. The rest of the stories are solid, but not as strong as the ones I've mentioned. They all share similar themes of family relationships/dynamics gone wrong and are all set in Hawaii. Based off these stories and The Descendants, I will try to keep following her career. I think she is a very talented writer.

[Alex Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these stories were really good and I enjoyed several of them. A few were a little confusing or boring, like throne about the daughter and her father hosting a dinner party or the one about the woman who hangs out with her boyfriend's daughter at a funeral. But for the most part it was a good collection of short stories. Hemmings has a good way of ending a story- she leaves enough to mystery so that you'd still like to read more while at the same time leaving enough information about the characters and the plot to get an idea of what happens. Overall, an enjoyable set of short stories.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with The Descendants, the language in this book is what makes the book. I am also amazed and impressed with how well Hemmings can change voice. She can write from the point of view of a 35 year old woman trying to get past her past, from the voice of a 13 year old girl or from the point of view of a man whose wife has just left him to take care of his 17 year old daughter alone.

The stories all make me want to visit Hawaii with their beautiful descriptions.

[Richda Mcnutt · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the author of "The Descendants," this book of short stories set in Hawaii, is a complex undertaking - primarily related to the dysfunctional family. Not many of the characters are very likable, but I did find myself feeling sympathy for most of them. They flounder in their relationships, and try to ignore their true feelings and motivations. No happy endings here - not really even any endings; only life as we hope we don't know it.

[Blythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of short stories revolved around dysfunctional, Haole people and families in Hawaii. The descriptions of Hawaii scenery and daily life, as well as the characters voices, were excellent. But all of the stories were depressing, and some were so much so that they were hardly enjoyable; plus, since they were short stories, they ended abruptly instead of providing a more pleasant resolution.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested to read this short story collection because it was written by the author of The Descendants, which was made into a movie with George Clooney last year. I didn't think much of the movie but I sensed that it might not live up to the talent of the author, and I was right. These are excellent stories about family relationships and adolescence, about what it's like to live in Hawaii, about many things. Some of Hemmings' characters are outstanding - I enjoyed this very much.

[Bibi Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while lying in my rented Waimanalo bungalow on a stormy January day. Hemmings's writing seems old-fashioned to me at times, like the sort of thing that used to be called K Mart fiction. In this case, maybe ABC Stores fiction? (not really-- I doubt whether most of these characters shop at ABC.) It sustains itself really well from page to page because of the fine-grained observation of lives in a demographic that hasn't been written about very much.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of short stories about messed-up families in Hawaii. Well done, but after reading about the author many of the "fictions" appear a little too close to real life. If you like the (depressing) movie The Descendants, which was based upon Hemmings' novel of the same name, you will like this also.

[Natasha Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book by accident in the library and this author is amazing! Her style takes you to uncomfortable places yet you can't stop reading. Her descriptions transport you directly from the page to the scene. I begun compiling a notebook with lines from her books. House of Thieves is definitely a must read!