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The Pohaku
From the award-winning author of Hula, a dazzling saga about the generations of women tasked with protecting the history and place that made them.
A young woman lies comatose in a hospital, watched by her estranged grandmother. Mystery surrounds the woman’s fall—did she jump off the cliff, or was she swept away by a wave? Her grandmother suspects it is linked to the pōhaku, an ancient stone that their family was tasked with protecting.
In this novel spanning generations across Hawai`i and California, it soon becomes clear that the pōhaku’s story must survive if there is to be any hope of the family’s reconciliation with their home, with nature, and with each other.
Reminiscent of Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing, Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko, and Tommy Orange’s There, There, The Pōhaku is an immersive and bold novel about the history, perseverance, and resilience of the Hawaiian people.
A young woman lies comatose in a hospital, watched by her estranged grandmother. Mystery surrounds the woman’s fall—did she jump off the cliff, or was she swept away by a wave? Her grandmother suspects it is linked to the pōhaku, an ancient stone that their family was tasked with protecting.
In this novel spanning generations across Hawai`i and California, it soon becomes clear that the pōhaku’s story must survive if there is to be any hope of the family’s reconciliation with their home, with nature, and with each other.
Reminiscent of Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing, Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko, and Tommy Orange’s There, There, The Pōhaku is an immersive and bold novel about the history, perseverance, and resilience of the Hawaiian people.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 7, 2026
I enjoyed The Pohaku overall and found it to be a solid, engaging listen. The story did get a little slogged down in details at times, and there were moments where it felt like it plodded along more than it needed to. Still, for the most part it kept things moving and held my interest.
The switches between timelines were done really well and never felt confusing, which helped the story flow better than I expected. I especially appreciated the rich history of Hawaiʻi woven throughout—I learned so much that felt new and meaningful.
Jolene Jaxon did a strong job with the narration. She brought a lot of heart to the book and kept the characters distinct. The overall production quality was polished and easy to listen to. I enjoyed the audiobook format for this story.
Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
The switches between timelines were done really well and never felt confusing, which helped the story flow better than I expected. I especially appreciated the rich history of Hawaiʻi woven throughout—I learned so much that felt new and meaningful.
Jolene Jaxon did a strong job with the narration. She brought a lot of heart to the book and kept the characters distinct. The overall production quality was polished and easy to listen to. I enjoyed the audiobook format for this story.
Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 17, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.
I enjoyed the first third of this book, but once the setting changed from Hawaii to California, I lost the plot and especially in the last third, I was quite confused about what was happening and who was who, and how that connected to the narrator and her granddaughter. I enjoyed some of the historical fiction, especially the parts set in Hawaii in the 1700s-early 1800s but the extensive California gold rush historical fiction at times felt distracting from the main story.
I enjoyed the first third of this book, but once the setting changed from Hawaii to California, I lost the plot and especially in the last third, I was quite confused about what was happening and who was who, and how that connected to the narrator and her granddaughter. I enjoyed some of the historical fiction, especially the parts set in Hawaii in the 1700s-early 1800s but the extensive California gold rush historical fiction at times felt distracting from the main story.
October 11, 2025
(Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley)
This saga tells of the history of Hawaii, a surprising amount of the history of California, and on a grander scale tells a story of the history of fighting to hold on to one's culture and community in the face of seemingly relentless outside pressure, and also a story of multigenerational trauma. The Pohaku is the kind of read that is achingly, painfully tragic, yet also so gorgeously written, and also so eye-openingly informative too that it's a genuine challenge to put down once one gets into the real flow of the story. Jasmin Iolani Hakes has once again knocked it out of the park with an absolutely top-notch work, and although this book hasn't even been published yet as of this review, I already am eager to see what she has in store for the future.
This saga tells of the history of Hawaii, a surprising amount of the history of California, and on a grander scale tells a story of the history of fighting to hold on to one's culture and community in the face of seemingly relentless outside pressure, and also a story of multigenerational trauma. The Pohaku is the kind of read that is achingly, painfully tragic, yet also so gorgeously written, and also so eye-openingly informative too that it's a genuine challenge to put down once one gets into the real flow of the story. Jasmin Iolani Hakes has once again knocked it out of the park with an absolutely top-notch work, and although this book hasn't even been published yet as of this review, I already am eager to see what she has in store for the future.
Did Not Finish
February 2, 2026DNF @ 25%
Received early audiobook from NetGalley, but not rating on goodreads.
I did not end up finishing this book because the historical parts sounded like I was in a history class . I was enjoying the very beginning, but I quickly grew bored. I like my historical fiction more character driven.
Received early audiobook from NetGalley, but not rating on goodreads.
I did not end up finishing this book because the historical parts sounded like I was in a history class . I was enjoying the very beginning, but I quickly grew bored. I like my historical fiction more character driven.
May 3, 2026
The Pohaku by Jasmin Iolani Hakes is a quietly powerful and atmospheric read with a strong sense of cultural identity and history, weaving together personal and generational stories with care and intention.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its connection to land and ancestry. The setting feels alive, not just as a backdrop but as something that actively shapes the characters and their choices. That sense of grounding adds emotional weight to the narrative and makes the story feel intimate and immersive.
The characters themselves are thoughtfully written, each carrying their own struggles, histories, and relationships to identity. I appreciated how the book explores themes of belonging, displacement, and resilience without feeling overly heavy-handed. There’s a subtlety to the storytelling that allows the emotions to build naturally.
This isn’t a plot-driven story as much as it is a character and atmosphere-driven one, and it rewards patience. It may not be for readers looking for fast-paced action, but for those who enjoy thoughtful, immersive narratives, it’s well worth the time.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its connection to land and ancestry. The setting feels alive, not just as a backdrop but as something that actively shapes the characters and their choices. That sense of grounding adds emotional weight to the narrative and makes the story feel intimate and immersive.
The characters themselves are thoughtfully written, each carrying their own struggles, histories, and relationships to identity. I appreciated how the book explores themes of belonging, displacement, and resilience without feeling overly heavy-handed. There’s a subtlety to the storytelling that allows the emotions to build naturally.
This isn’t a plot-driven story as much as it is a character and atmosphere-driven one, and it rewards patience. It may not be for readers looking for fast-paced action, but for those who enjoy thoughtful, immersive narratives, it’s well worth the time.
April 9, 2026
What I came here expecting: magical realism take on the Kingdom of Hawai'i.
What I got: a story that wanted too much to show the parallels between different areas impacted by colonialism, and through that expanded too wide to stay coherent.
I wanted to know more of the 1992-adjacent storyline. Was any of it truly connected to the pōhaku, or is it all in the grandmother's head, as she's trying to make sense of the amount of suffering in the last several generations? In a novel that remains consistently strong I could have accepted it doesn't really matter, but in a book where the only consistent thing is: how bleak the future of every generation looks, and the titular tie-in isn't even remotely present or important in any way for half of the book, it all feels incomplete: the abrupt ending, the lack of answers, the next catastrophe being the only way to come.
Wish we have never left queen Ka'ahumanu's side.
What I got: a story that wanted too much to show the parallels between different areas impacted by colonialism, and through that expanded too wide to stay coherent.
I wanted to know more of the 1992-adjacent storyline. Was any of it truly connected to the pōhaku, or is it all in the grandmother's head, as she's trying to make sense of the amount of suffering in the last several generations? In a novel that remains consistently strong I could have accepted it doesn't really matter, but in a book where the only consistent thing is: how bleak the future of every generation looks, and the titular tie-in isn't even remotely present or important in any way for half of the book, it all feels incomplete: the abrupt ending, the lack of answers, the next catastrophe being the only way to come.
Wish we have never left queen Ka'ahumanu's side.
October 25, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a review.
Across the ages and generations, we the readers learn some Hawaiian history as the author weaves a story of the Pohaku or sacred stone, ohana, and what it means to be Hawaiian.
I really enjoyed this book - at least the first half - as a lover of Hawaiian culture and history, but somehow it dried up a little. I can pinpoint the why for me, so if it is resolved, it will fix everything. I lived in Hawaii for years and knew many of the Hawaiian words and places mentioned, but if I didn't have that background knowledge, it would have bogged me down sooner. So there is no glossary to help you out - and there is no authors note at the end that would have answered my MANY questions. So I hope before publication, the publisher hears my cry and adds those features, as a good authors notes is literally the best part about reading historical fiction.
3*
Across the ages and generations, we the readers learn some Hawaiian history as the author weaves a story of the Pohaku or sacred stone, ohana, and what it means to be Hawaiian.
I really enjoyed this book - at least the first half - as a lover of Hawaiian culture and history, but somehow it dried up a little. I can pinpoint the why for me, so if it is resolved, it will fix everything. I lived in Hawaii for years and knew many of the Hawaiian words and places mentioned, but if I didn't have that background knowledge, it would have bogged me down sooner. So there is no glossary to help you out - and there is no authors note at the end that would have answered my MANY questions. So I hope before publication, the publisher hears my cry and adds those features, as a good authors notes is literally the best part about reading historical fiction.
3*
Did Not Finish
May 13, 2026NO: A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)
I do not rate these “tested”
books. This is really for me. I will not be buying, reading borrowing this book.
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:
Stunning cover and I love HCP.
Sigh 😔 I HATE books written in second person. It doesn’t work for me. It’s a gran telling her granddtr the story. Google “Yes, using ‘ you’ to address a character (or the reader) is the definition of second-person point of view.” Plus many complain she again uses a lot of terminology that someone not from the area wouldn’t know. Yes I can look it up but then the story loses the flow if my nose is always in a dictionary. It scored poorly on GR and with MF. I don’t think this author is for me.
No …pass…
I do not rate these “tested”
books. This is really for me. I will not be buying, reading borrowing this book.
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:
Stunning cover and I love HCP.
Sigh 😔 I HATE books written in second person. It doesn’t work for me. It’s a gran telling her granddtr the story. Google “Yes, using ‘ you’ to address a character (or the reader) is the definition of second-person point of view.” Plus many complain she again uses a lot of terminology that someone not from the area wouldn’t know. Yes I can look it up but then the story loses the flow if my nose is always in a dictionary. It scored poorly on GR and with MF. I don’t think this author is for me.
No …pass…
January 3, 2026
The Pōhaku had an amazing premise, but I’m disappointed by the execution.
I love multi-generational storytelling. This story was beautiful, delving into the layers upon layers of trauma and resilience from colonialism. In this way, I felt the author did a phenomenal job.
However, the story itself was hard to follow. By the middle of the book, we’d been introduced to so many characters that it was hard to keep track of who was who.
This is written as a grandmother telling her heritage to her granddaughter who is in a coma. This, in my opinion, both strengthened and weakened the story telling. I felt the grandmothers voice wasn’t consistent throughout the book, and I think the story could’ve benefited from more with more focus on the women throughout the story. There was very little dialogue between them, and a lot of telling rather than showing. It was difficult for me to feel any attachment to any of them—I didn’t get a sense of who they were.
My biggest disappointment was with the ending. While I understand the authors choice, I felt cheated as a reader to not see an absolute resolution with the granddaughter.
I do think that readers would also benefit from a glossary of some sort to reference throughout the book. There are many phrases and mentions throughout the book that I wasn’t familiar with. And having so many characters throughout, I think having that could help with understanding the world a little bit more.
I really wanted to like this book, but it did fall flat for me. I do think there is potential for this book to resonate with others and to be wonderful.
Thank you to the publisher, HarperVia, the author, Jasmine ‘Ionlani Hakes, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love multi-generational storytelling. This story was beautiful, delving into the layers upon layers of trauma and resilience from colonialism. In this way, I felt the author did a phenomenal job.
However, the story itself was hard to follow. By the middle of the book, we’d been introduced to so many characters that it was hard to keep track of who was who.
This is written as a grandmother telling her heritage to her granddaughter who is in a coma. This, in my opinion, both strengthened and weakened the story telling. I felt the grandmothers voice wasn’t consistent throughout the book, and I think the story could’ve benefited from more with more focus on the women throughout the story. There was very little dialogue between them, and a lot of telling rather than showing. It was difficult for me to feel any attachment to any of them—I didn’t get a sense of who they were.
My biggest disappointment was with the ending. While I understand the authors choice, I felt cheated as a reader to not see an absolute resolution with the granddaughter.
I do think that readers would also benefit from a glossary of some sort to reference throughout the book. There are many phrases and mentions throughout the book that I wasn’t familiar with. And having so many characters throughout, I think having that could help with understanding the world a little bit more.
I really wanted to like this book, but it did fall flat for me. I do think there is potential for this book to resonate with others and to be wonderful.
Thank you to the publisher, HarperVia, the author, Jasmine ‘Ionlani Hakes, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2025
A narrative about the trauma constructed from colonial conquest that seeks to erode identities. A story that spans across three generations from the beginning of Hawaii’s colonialism to the 1990s. Generational trauma weaved into a narrative to show the power of reconnecting to ancestral concepts after over a century of colonialist ideals. Deconstructing your identity after your culture has been forced into western ideals is the theme here. What does it mean to define your identity and how do you reclaim a heritage that society tries to erase?
The prose is poignant and eloquent. The distinction of time during each chapter helps to understand the perspective of the three women who pass down the the pōhaku. Each generation engages the struggle differently to maintain their identity – but each century opens a new pathway towards rejecting western ideals. This is the way to understand the negative impact of forcing christianity and western ideals unto people who were once freely living in their culture. Will be reading fhe author’s novel, Hula next! Thank you HarperVia and Netgalley for this electronic arc!
Read more recommendations and reviews https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com
The prose is poignant and eloquent. The distinction of time during each chapter helps to understand the perspective of the three women who pass down the the pōhaku. Each generation engages the struggle differently to maintain their identity – but each century opens a new pathway towards rejecting western ideals. This is the way to understand the negative impact of forcing christianity and western ideals unto people who were once freely living in their culture. Will be reading fhe author’s novel, Hula next! Thank you HarperVia and Netgalley for this electronic arc!
Read more recommendations and reviews https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com
October 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5 STARS
(rounded up to 5)
i loved this book so much! to get a glimpse of the hardships of the people and those who fought to keep pieces of their culture & identity was just... heartbreaking, yet inspiring. i've read some books before that brought light to a some of the cruelty that generations of Native Hawaiians have faced, but from a fictionalized perspective peppered with truth, it made it even harder to digest simply because the characters felt real in this book. it truly is a beautifully written immersive experience. the Hawaiian people are resilient & irrepressible group people. the love for their island, each other, and their family is so beautiful to me.
i highly recommend this. it's a beautiful story about perserverance, culture, and family. while i wish the ending didn't feel almost abrupt, i also felt it needed to end the way it did. it's an opportunity for the reader to hope that all's well that end's well. i haven't read this author's previous work, but i do intend to now... and i look forward to more!
Mahalo to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy via NetGalley. i leave this review of my own volition; all thoughts and opinions are mine.
(rounded up to 5)
i loved this book so much! to get a glimpse of the hardships of the people and those who fought to keep pieces of their culture & identity was just... heartbreaking, yet inspiring. i've read some books before that brought light to a some of the cruelty that generations of Native Hawaiians have faced, but from a fictionalized perspective peppered with truth, it made it even harder to digest simply because the characters felt real in this book. it truly is a beautifully written immersive experience. the Hawaiian people are resilient & irrepressible group people. the love for their island, each other, and their family is so beautiful to me.
i highly recommend this. it's a beautiful story about perserverance, culture, and family. while i wish the ending didn't feel almost abrupt, i also felt it needed to end the way it did. it's an opportunity for the reader to hope that all's well that end's well. i haven't read this author's previous work, but i do intend to now... and i look forward to more!
Mahalo to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy via NetGalley. i leave this review of my own volition; all thoughts and opinions are mine.
January 29, 2026
Something kept drawing me in to read this book. When I finally had the chance (thanks to an ARC from NetGalley and HarperAudio) I instantly knew why.
I went in thinking this was going to be more of a mystery surrounding what happened to the girl in a coma…
But, what I found was a well-written historical (fiction) novel about the Hawaiian people, their struggles, resilience and perseverance to keep their history and sacred stone (Pohaku) safe throughout generations.
The story was eye-opening, heartbreaking, and an important read for anyone looking to dig deeper into the impact of colonialism on island nations and indigenous people.
I was grateful that Jolene Jaxon read this novel. Firstly, because I would not have been able to pronounce many of the words correctly - which is important for me to get right - it would have taken away from the story. Secondly, because her re-telling of the story really moved me. I could visualize everything so vividly in my mind.
All in all this was a very well-written novel and I am excited to read her debut novel, Hula, next!
I went in thinking this was going to be more of a mystery surrounding what happened to the girl in a coma…
But, what I found was a well-written historical (fiction) novel about the Hawaiian people, their struggles, resilience and perseverance to keep their history and sacred stone (Pohaku) safe throughout generations.
The story was eye-opening, heartbreaking, and an important read for anyone looking to dig deeper into the impact of colonialism on island nations and indigenous people.
I was grateful that Jolene Jaxon read this novel. Firstly, because I would not have been able to pronounce many of the words correctly - which is important for me to get right - it would have taken away from the story. Secondly, because her re-telling of the story really moved me. I could visualize everything so vividly in my mind.
All in all this was a very well-written novel and I am excited to read her debut novel, Hula, next!
February 24, 2026
I liked the first half more than the second. The history was interesting, the writing was good but the story didn't really keep my interest. I think I was hoping for more mythology around the object. I also think since it kept jumping around to new generations I didn't get attached enough to the characters.
April 9, 2026
If this book wasn't reading for a book club I'm in, I would have DNF'd very early in this book and after reaching the end, I wish I would have. The synopsis promised a story of Hawaii's history but the majority of the story was about California's settlers. The story jumps from family member to family member leaving you without a connection to the characters which left me feeling like I had read a textbook instead of a novel. The ending leaves you without much of anything and such a sad depiction of such a beautiful place.
February 27, 2026
The Pohaku by Jasmin Iolani Hakes, narrated by Jolene Jaxon, is not here to coddle you, and honestly, thank goodness for that.
Published by HarperVia, with thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy, this novel makes it clear from the start that it values memory, land, and lineage over reader convenience. Whether you read it in print or listen on audio, this is a story that asks for patience and attention. It does not rush. It does not simplify. It insists you sit with it.
At its core, The Pohaku is a multigenerational story about Hawaiian women tasked with protecting the pōhaku, an ancient stone bound to the balance between people, land, and spirit. The book opens in 1992 with a grandmother sitting at the hospital bedside of her comatose granddaughter, unsure whether the young woman fell from a cliff or was pulled into the sea. What follows is the grandmother’s attempt to heal her granddaughter through story, tracing their family’s lineage back through centuries of Hawaiian history and eventually across the ocean to California.
The Hawaiʻi sections are where this novel truly shines. Hakes writes about place with reverence and specificity, and the cultural loss caused by colonialism, Christianity, and capitalism is rendered with a quiet, accumulating grief. These chapters feel grounded, intimate, and alive. Listening to them on audio deepened that intimacy. Jolene Jaxon’s narration brings warmth and gravity to the grandmother’s voice, especially in moments where the prose leans into oral storytelling. Her pacing allows the weight of the history to land without feeling rushed or overperformed.
This is not a dialogue-heavy novel, and that will be a deal-breaker for some readers. Much of the story unfolds in a sweeping, almost oral-history style that prioritizes legacy and continuity over sharp, scene-driven character moments. At times, the sheer number of characters and generations can blur together, particularly in print. On audio, however, Jaxon’s subtle shifts in tone help orient the listener and smooth some of that complexity, making the lineage easier to follow than I expected.
When the story shifts to California during the Gold Rush era, the tone becomes more observational and historical. These sections are thematically important, underscoring how displacement fractures families and the natural world itself, but they read more distantly than the Hawaiʻi chapters. I admired the research and scope while occasionally wishing for deeper emotional anchoring. Even so, hearing these sections aloud emphasized the contrast between land treated as sacred and land treated as commodity, which feels very much like the point.
The emotional heart of the novel remains with the grandmother. Her regrets, her love, her failures, and her belief that story itself might still matter feel painfully human. One line lingered with me long after finishing: “You have to know who you are.” That idea pulses through every generation in this book, even when the characters themselves are struggling to hear it.
The ending is open and abrupt, and I know it will frustrate many readers. I didn’t love it, but I understood it. This is a novel about unfinished histories and unresolved loss. In that way, the ending feels thematically honest, even if emotionally unsatisfying.
This is challenging, thoughtful historical and literary fiction that prioritizes cultural memory over narrative ease. While the print edition demands focus, the audiobook offers a more immersive, emotionally guided experience. If you’re choosing between formats, I would genuinely recommend the audio.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4 out of 5 stars
#ThePohaku #JasminIolaniHakes #JoleneJaxon #AudiobookReview #HistoricalFiction #LiteraryFiction #HawaiianHistory #WomensFiction #BookReview #HarperVi
Published by HarperVia, with thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy, this novel makes it clear from the start that it values memory, land, and lineage over reader convenience. Whether you read it in print or listen on audio, this is a story that asks for patience and attention. It does not rush. It does not simplify. It insists you sit with it.
At its core, The Pohaku is a multigenerational story about Hawaiian women tasked with protecting the pōhaku, an ancient stone bound to the balance between people, land, and spirit. The book opens in 1992 with a grandmother sitting at the hospital bedside of her comatose granddaughter, unsure whether the young woman fell from a cliff or was pulled into the sea. What follows is the grandmother’s attempt to heal her granddaughter through story, tracing their family’s lineage back through centuries of Hawaiian history and eventually across the ocean to California.
The Hawaiʻi sections are where this novel truly shines. Hakes writes about place with reverence and specificity, and the cultural loss caused by colonialism, Christianity, and capitalism is rendered with a quiet, accumulating grief. These chapters feel grounded, intimate, and alive. Listening to them on audio deepened that intimacy. Jolene Jaxon’s narration brings warmth and gravity to the grandmother’s voice, especially in moments where the prose leans into oral storytelling. Her pacing allows the weight of the history to land without feeling rushed or overperformed.
This is not a dialogue-heavy novel, and that will be a deal-breaker for some readers. Much of the story unfolds in a sweeping, almost oral-history style that prioritizes legacy and continuity over sharp, scene-driven character moments. At times, the sheer number of characters and generations can blur together, particularly in print. On audio, however, Jaxon’s subtle shifts in tone help orient the listener and smooth some of that complexity, making the lineage easier to follow than I expected.
When the story shifts to California during the Gold Rush era, the tone becomes more observational and historical. These sections are thematically important, underscoring how displacement fractures families and the natural world itself, but they read more distantly than the Hawaiʻi chapters. I admired the research and scope while occasionally wishing for deeper emotional anchoring. Even so, hearing these sections aloud emphasized the contrast between land treated as sacred and land treated as commodity, which feels very much like the point.
The emotional heart of the novel remains with the grandmother. Her regrets, her love, her failures, and her belief that story itself might still matter feel painfully human. One line lingered with me long after finishing: “You have to know who you are.” That idea pulses through every generation in this book, even when the characters themselves are struggling to hear it.
The ending is open and abrupt, and I know it will frustrate many readers. I didn’t love it, but I understood it. This is a novel about unfinished histories and unresolved loss. In that way, the ending feels thematically honest, even if emotionally unsatisfying.
This is challenging, thoughtful historical and literary fiction that prioritizes cultural memory over narrative ease. While the print edition demands focus, the audiobook offers a more immersive, emotionally guided experience. If you’re choosing between formats, I would genuinely recommend the audio.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4 out of 5 stars
#ThePohaku #JasminIolaniHakes #JoleneJaxon #AudiobookReview #HistoricalFiction #LiteraryFiction #HawaiianHistory #WomensFiction #BookReview #HarperVi
March 23, 2026
"The Pōhaku" by Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes is a fiction story with a historical legend story woven throughout it. It is set in and about Hawaii, but also spends a lot of time in California during the Gold Rush time. It begins in 1992 and goes back to the early 1800s.
The story centers around the Pohaku, which I do not completely understand, but it is supposed to contain the power of nature in Hawaii. It was some sort of stone, perhaps a volcanic stone. In the legend told in this book, it came out in the afterbirth and called a stone baby. It had a strong vibration.
The Pōhaku was taken to California, but should never have left Hawaii.
In Kauai, a teenage girl jumped into the ocean or fell and crashed against the rocks and ends up in a coma. Her grandmother comes to see her every day and tells her the long history of the Pōhaku which is in her family's heritage.
I was bored and confused through most of this book. I thought about DNFing it, but I try very hard to never do that. Unfortunately, it didn't get better. There are far too many characters to keep track of them all.
The writing isn't bad, but the plot is confusing. The pacing is terrible, extremely slow.
The narrator for the audiobook, Jolene Jaxon, did a very good job.
Characters - 3/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 1/5
Unputdownability - 1/5
Enjoyment - 1/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 21/8 = 2 5/8
rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Audio Adult, and Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
The story centers around the Pohaku, which I do not completely understand, but it is supposed to contain the power of nature in Hawaii. It was some sort of stone, perhaps a volcanic stone. In the legend told in this book, it came out in the afterbirth and called a stone baby. It had a strong vibration.
The Pōhaku was taken to California, but should never have left Hawaii.
In Kauai, a teenage girl jumped into the ocean or fell and crashed against the rocks and ends up in a coma. Her grandmother comes to see her every day and tells her the long history of the Pōhaku which is in her family's heritage.
I was bored and confused through most of this book. I thought about DNFing it, but I try very hard to never do that. Unfortunately, it didn't get better. There are far too many characters to keep track of them all.
The writing isn't bad, but the plot is confusing. The pacing is terrible, extremely slow.
The narrator for the audiobook, Jolene Jaxon, did a very good job.
Characters - 3/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 1/5
Unputdownability - 1/5
Enjoyment - 1/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 21/8 = 2 5/8
rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Audio Adult, and Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
March 11, 2026
I received this book as an advanced copy. I really enjoyed the book, the unfiltered look at history and the story telling. I had no knowledge of Hawaii before this and was confused with some of the terminology in the beginning but I was able use context clues to figure it out. I would recommend for anyone who likes a historical story or wants to know more about Hawaii.
May 8, 2026
I learned so much about Hawaiian culture, mythology, and colonialism in Hawaii from this book. I appreciated the familial lore and alternating timelines. The plot structure was a bit drawn out and I found the conclusion really unsatisfying. I wanted more for these characters! The setting was also confusing - only a small portion of the book takes place in Hawaii, and this book is way more about Hawaiian displacement than Hawaiian lore.
May 9, 2026
The majority of this book is truly fantastic, and was both entertaining and educational for me as someone who knows little about Hawaiian history. However, the ending left a lot to be desired. It felt like the author got bored in the middle of writing or was trying to meet a deadline and stopped at a random point, wrote two half-assed chapters to wrap things up, and called it a day.
February 27, 2026
This book chose not to include a glossary to its detriment. I almost didn't continue with the story at the beginning because there were so many Hawaiian words and none of them were explained. only some of them were clear in context. I kept reading and found myself more engaged towards the middle but I think overall this book is too long. It definitely taught me about Hawaian history, and made me sit with the trauma passed down from generation to generation. But on that note, I felt like there were too many jumps from too many people without getting a chance to really connect with any of them. I didn't really feel any attachment to any of the generations we followed because we don't really get to know them that well before the story moves on. I'm also frustrated by the ending, I felt cheated.
February 27, 2026
I was so excited to see this because I loved Hula, and again a multigenerational Hawaiian story. And it was enjoyable, but just not as captivating.
I think the older stories in Hawaii were really great, and I even liked the modern storytelling narrative, but the last few generations in CA and beyond just didn’t strike me as much.
Once again, Hakes’ writing is beautiful in such a lyrical way.
I think the older stories in Hawaii were really great, and I even liked the modern storytelling narrative, but the last few generations in CA and beyond just didn’t strike me as much.
Once again, Hakes’ writing is beautiful in such a lyrical way.
December 27, 2025
“You have to know who you are”. This is the epigraph of Pohaku, and the theme resonates throughout the novel. Pohaku was one of the best books I have read in the past year. Jasmin Iolani Hakes, the author of Hula and now Pohaku, shows her vast research and historical accuracy in her latest novel. Pohaku means stone in Hawaiian. It’s a story of family lore and generations of Hawaiian history.
Set in both 1992 and the 1800’s, a distraught kupuna (grandmother) tells the story of their family’s history to her mo’opuna (granddaughter) who is in a coma after an incident at Queen’s Bath, a popular but dangerous swimming hole on Kauai. But this isn’t just their immediate family history, it’s the history of many generations and how their family ancestors were attendants to Queen Ka’ahumanu and thus came to be the guardians of the “Pohaku” or stone.
This book delved into Hawaiian history, and in particular, a facet that is not well known — the Hawaiians that lived in and around Sutter’s Fort and Sutter’s Mill, the birthplace of the California gold rush. The history was interesting and not dull at all, and it felt brought to life by Hakes superb storytelling. In fact, I was so interested after finishing the novel that I sought out more stories and articles about Hawaiians that had traveled in the 1800’s in Alaska and California. Overall, an excellent, epic tale, and one I can’t wait for others to read and share opinions with. HIGHLY recommend!
Set in both 1992 and the 1800’s, a distraught kupuna (grandmother) tells the story of their family’s history to her mo’opuna (granddaughter) who is in a coma after an incident at Queen’s Bath, a popular but dangerous swimming hole on Kauai. But this isn’t just their immediate family history, it’s the history of many generations and how their family ancestors were attendants to Queen Ka’ahumanu and thus came to be the guardians of the “Pohaku” or stone.
This book delved into Hawaiian history, and in particular, a facet that is not well known — the Hawaiians that lived in and around Sutter’s Fort and Sutter’s Mill, the birthplace of the California gold rush. The history was interesting and not dull at all, and it felt brought to life by Hakes superb storytelling. In fact, I was so interested after finishing the novel that I sought out more stories and articles about Hawaiians that had traveled in the 1800’s in Alaska and California. Overall, an excellent, epic tale, and one I can’t wait for others to read and share opinions with. HIGHLY recommend!
February 4, 2026
This book had an incredibly promising premise. I'm always drawn to multi-generational stories filled with drama. Unfortunately, the execution didn't quite live up to that potential.
The dual timeline leans heavily into the 18th century. There is an overwhelming number of characters and extensive use of the Hawaiian dialect. I often found it difficult to keep the story straight. Instead of feeling immersive, it became confusing at times.
And the ending… sadly, it was a real letdown after such a long buildup.
The audiobook production was well done and ultimately helped me finish. Hearing the correct pronunciation of Hawaiian names and words added clarity and was a definite highlight.
The dual timeline leans heavily into the 18th century. There is an overwhelming number of characters and extensive use of the Hawaiian dialect. I often found it difficult to keep the story straight. Instead of feeling immersive, it became confusing at times.
And the ending… sadly, it was a real letdown after such a long buildup.
The audiobook production was well done and ultimately helped me finish. Hearing the correct pronunciation of Hawaiian names and words added clarity and was a definite highlight.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to HarperVia and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy and advanced listener copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to love this book so much, and one of my biggest "complaints" could be addressed fairly easily with a glossary of terms and character list.
Background: This story is a dual story. One is a grandmother talking to her granddaughter who is in a coma. This takes place in 1992. The rest (and majority) of the story is the history of The Pohaku which is an ancient stone that one family tries to protect throughout generations (non-spoiler spoiler, but it's the same family, and the grandmother is "telling" this story to her granddaughter).
The issue for me was this was a very "tell not show" vibe. I had a hard time connecting with the characters as it was basically just one long story and there was hardly any dialogue. I did not feel connected to any of the characters really, and part of that is that there were so many characters and they were hard to keep track of. I think a character list is crucial, especially when many of the names are similar. For example: Kalehuna is the granddaughter of Kaluaua who was the nursemaid to Ka'ahamanu who was married to Kamehameha. Only Ka'ahamanu and Kamehameha are actually real people based on my research, so I'm not sure why we needed two additional K names which were fictional characters. But that's not all. Kalehuna marries George, and they call him Kanaka George (which I guess means "person" or "laborer" but seemed unnecessary tbh), and then Kanaka George's brother is named Kawika (apparently this is Hawaiian for David but still). These are all fictional characters and it was just unnecessarily confusing. There are also 3 Johns (only two of which are real, so again, a different fictional name would have been helpful).
Additional confusion was the use of Hawaiian words with no glossary. A lot of times when other languages are used, you can tell from the context clues of the sentence what the words mean, but I did not find that to be the case, and even when I highlighted in Kindle to look the words up, 90% of them did not pop up, so I had no idea what they were supposed to mean.
I enjoyed the Hawaiian history part and the lore associated with The Pohaku but it started falling flat for me when they got to California and we got all into the Gold Rush. That was not as interesting and it felt like a history book a bit. Connecting with the characters would have helped. Mahina was the only one I really connected with and so that part was enjoyable, and I was touched by the parts about new Americans coming in to put the Native Americans in reservations, and I would have actually loved to focus more on that because there was opportunity there. I cared less about the American and Mexican dispute over California because it was kind of glossed over.
I also feel like the two storylines did not converge for me because when the grandmother was talking to the granddaughter, she was speaking so casually and colloquially, sometimes in broken sentences, but then when she is "storytelling" the history it was more dry and formal, so it did not resonate that it was her telling this story. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the entire thing was in grandma's voice because it would have felt more personal and not just like a history book. I also felt like the "connection" between grandma and the lineage that we followed the whole book was very rushed, and it was like we ran out of time/the book was too long so she was like "and that person was my grandmother".
IDK I feel like this book had so much potential and it was just a little bit disappointing. HOWEVER, I'm still glad I read it, as I do feel like I learned something and once I started using the audio (around 50%) it was much more enjoyable. I think if I had done the whole thing on audio I might have enjoyed more (I still think a glossary and character list is necessary...I think this is true anytime you are using another language, but for the characters in this book it was especially true because some of the names were just so similar). Basically: do the audio and learn some history! But just manage expectations that this was much more history/historical fiction that reads like real history than a family focused fiction.
Background: This story is a dual story. One is a grandmother talking to her granddaughter who is in a coma. This takes place in 1992. The rest (and majority) of the story is the history of The Pohaku which is an ancient stone that one family tries to protect throughout generations (non-spoiler spoiler, but it's the same family, and the grandmother is "telling" this story to her granddaughter).
The issue for me was this was a very "tell not show" vibe. I had a hard time connecting with the characters as it was basically just one long story and there was hardly any dialogue. I did not feel connected to any of the characters really, and part of that is that there were so many characters and they were hard to keep track of. I think a character list is crucial, especially when many of the names are similar. For example: Kalehuna is the granddaughter of Kaluaua who was the nursemaid to Ka'ahamanu who was married to Kamehameha. Only Ka'ahamanu and Kamehameha are actually real people based on my research, so I'm not sure why we needed two additional K names which were fictional characters. But that's not all. Kalehuna marries George, and they call him Kanaka George (which I guess means "person" or "laborer" but seemed unnecessary tbh), and then Kanaka George's brother is named Kawika (apparently this is Hawaiian for David but still). These are all fictional characters and it was just unnecessarily confusing. There are also 3 Johns (only two of which are real, so again, a different fictional name would have been helpful).
Additional confusion was the use of Hawaiian words with no glossary. A lot of times when other languages are used, you can tell from the context clues of the sentence what the words mean, but I did not find that to be the case, and even when I highlighted in Kindle to look the words up, 90% of them did not pop up, so I had no idea what they were supposed to mean.
I enjoyed the Hawaiian history part and the lore associated with The Pohaku but it started falling flat for me when they got to California and we got all into the Gold Rush. That was not as interesting and it felt like a history book a bit. Connecting with the characters would have helped. Mahina was the only one I really connected with and so that part was enjoyable, and I was touched by the parts about new Americans coming in to put the Native Americans in reservations, and I would have actually loved to focus more on that because there was opportunity there. I cared less about the American and Mexican dispute over California because it was kind of glossed over.
I also feel like the two storylines did not converge for me because when the grandmother was talking to the granddaughter, she was speaking so casually and colloquially, sometimes in broken sentences, but then when she is "storytelling" the history it was more dry and formal, so it did not resonate that it was her telling this story. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the entire thing was in grandma's voice because it would have felt more personal and not just like a history book. I also felt like the "connection" between grandma and the lineage that we followed the whole book was very rushed, and it was like we ran out of time/the book was too long so she was like "and that person was my grandmother".
IDK I feel like this book had so much potential and it was just a little bit disappointing. HOWEVER, I'm still glad I read it, as I do feel like I learned something and once I started using the audio (around 50%) it was much more enjoyable. I think if I had done the whole thing on audio I might have enjoyed more (I still think a glossary and character list is necessary...I think this is true anytime you are using another language, but for the characters in this book it was especially true because some of the names were just so similar). Basically: do the audio and learn some history! But just manage expectations that this was much more history/historical fiction that reads like real history than a family focused fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Pohaku takes the reader on a journey that weaves back and forth in time to tell the history of Hawaii and of the tale of a mysterious yet vital relic, passed down from generations of Hawaiian women to modern day. After recently listening to a similar ALC that interwove generations of the same family, I was already on board with the flow of the narrative the author takes us on.
I was especially impressed by Jolene Jaxon's switch between Hawaiian Pidgin accent when she was voicing the grandmother's point of view. If you are familiar with Hawaiian culture and the various influences of languages and cultures that had come to settle in Hawaii following its forced takeover by the US, this particular vernacular and speech may come both as a comfort and wistful reminder of all the changes that Hawaii has gone through. I felt Jaxon's pacing was perfect and the smoothness of her voice allowed me to really hone in on the story and its characters.
Overall, I would recommend this book to friends and to readers who enjoy historical fiction and, even with vague magical elements sprinkled in, the narratives of a generation of a Hawaiian family.
Thank you to the publishers HarperAudio Adult/HarperVia and Netgalley for providing this ALC, to the narrator Jolene Jaxon for a lovely performance, and to the author, Jasmin Iolani Hakes for creating such a rich story. All opinions and ideas shared are my own.
I was especially impressed by Jolene Jaxon's switch between Hawaiian Pidgin accent when she was voicing the grandmother's point of view. If you are familiar with Hawaiian culture and the various influences of languages and cultures that had come to settle in Hawaii following its forced takeover by the US, this particular vernacular and speech may come both as a comfort and wistful reminder of all the changes that Hawaii has gone through. I felt Jaxon's pacing was perfect and the smoothness of her voice allowed me to really hone in on the story and its characters.
Overall, I would recommend this book to friends and to readers who enjoy historical fiction and, even with vague magical elements sprinkled in, the narratives of a generation of a Hawaiian family.
Thank you to the publishers HarperAudio Adult/HarperVia and Netgalley for providing this ALC, to the narrator Jolene Jaxon for a lovely performance, and to the author, Jasmin Iolani Hakes for creating such a rich story. All opinions and ideas shared are my own.
August 25, 2025
The Pōhaku was such a poignant, reflective, beautiful/tragic story about a family of women throughout Hawaii's history from before the unification of the islands to kind-of-present-day (early 1990s) entrusted with the safekeeping of a special pōhaku - a sacred stone that connects the Hawaiian people to the spirits and voices of the land. This had a distinct and impactful voice and style, and deftly wove in the grandmother visiting her granddaughter in the hospital and telling her family's oral history woven in with key events in Hawaii's history, with taking us back in time and seeing the generations of women navigate their communities, connection with the land, inherited responsibility, and the big big changes brought by colonialism, capitalism, missionaries, and greed. Throughout the story and going between the islands, to California, and back, the story of the women and their lives gave meaning to history and reflections about identify, culture, heritage, and connection.
I feel like there's a lot more profound analysis and commentary that could be done, but I am 100% not the right person to do that -- but I found this book deeply resonant and meaningful, and I could not put it down as I was wholly absorbed. Also a small thing but I got a kick out of how drunk tūtū talked more local style in that one chapter. The book ends a bit abruptly/open-ended/ambiguously -- in a sense that, we've made it up to the current lineage of the grandmother passing down their family's story to her granddaughter as Hurricane Iniki approaches, and then the hurricane hits. For me, that made the story more emotionally resonant and devastating, and I bet it would make an excellent book discussion question.
Overall, well worth a read and I'm definitely picking up a copy when this publishes. Thanks to the author, HarperVia, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I feel like there's a lot more profound analysis and commentary that could be done, but I am 100% not the right person to do that -- but I found this book deeply resonant and meaningful, and I could not put it down as I was wholly absorbed. Also a small thing but I got a kick out of how drunk tūtū talked more local style in that one chapter. The book ends a bit abruptly/open-ended/ambiguously -- in a sense that, we've made it up to the current lineage of the grandmother passing down their family's story to her granddaughter as Hurricane Iniki approaches, and then the hurricane hits. For me, that made the story more emotionally resonant and devastating, and I bet it would make an excellent book discussion question.
Overall, well worth a read and I'm definitely picking up a copy when this publishes. Thanks to the author, HarperVia, and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 29, 2025
This multigenerational saga traces one Hawaiian lineage responsible for keeping and protecting pohaku, a sacred and mysterious stone. This icon is rooted in the deep and profound connection of people to the natural world – the elements, the flora, and the fauna. With the arrival of Captain Cook in the early 18th century, followed by and influx of other European explorers, the Hawaiian culture is slowly and steadily eroded in the name of civilization and Christianity.
The story tracks the history of the stone and its keepers from the 1700s up to 1992 where the last keeper is imparting the oral history to her granddaughter lying in a hospital bed after a near drowning with a resultant coma.
A slow start required patience, but once I found the rhythm the storyline unfolded with solid pacing and interesting characters. While the novel is a work of historical fiction, I learned a great deal about the role of the Hawaiian people in the settlement of California. The prose is highly evocative and there is much to appreciate about the culture. The descriptions of the disrespectful treatment of both the Hawaiians and the indigenous tribes have been well-documented in both fiction and nonfiction publications. Nonetheless, it is heart-breaking to witness the inhumane and often lethal actions perpetrated on these people with such rich cultures.
Overall, this was an interesting and informative novel. I was a bit disappointed, however, in the abrupt ending with no resolution given to the granddaughter’s legacy.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The story tracks the history of the stone and its keepers from the 1700s up to 1992 where the last keeper is imparting the oral history to her granddaughter lying in a hospital bed after a near drowning with a resultant coma.
A slow start required patience, but once I found the rhythm the storyline unfolded with solid pacing and interesting characters. While the novel is a work of historical fiction, I learned a great deal about the role of the Hawaiian people in the settlement of California. The prose is highly evocative and there is much to appreciate about the culture. The descriptions of the disrespectful treatment of both the Hawaiians and the indigenous tribes have been well-documented in both fiction and nonfiction publications. Nonetheless, it is heart-breaking to witness the inhumane and often lethal actions perpetrated on these people with such rich cultures.
Overall, this was an interesting and informative novel. I was a bit disappointed, however, in the abrupt ending with no resolution given to the granddaughter’s legacy.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 5, 2026
A woman in a coma is watched over by her estranged grandmother while she tells her the saga of the pōhaku, an ancient stone their family was tasked with protecting. Spanning generations from the 1700s to the 1990s, set between Hawai ̀i and California, the fate of the stone informs not only human history, but the natural world as well.
I loved the dual narratives that are being told to us simultaneously, demonstrating both the immediate and far reaches of generational trauma. This is ultimately a story that explores culture and identity in the face of colonialism. It took about 50 pages for me to really sink my teeth into it, but once I was in it, it was hard to put down.
I found the historical aspects of this novel absolutely captivating and immersive. I learned much during my time in this story and was able to hear from perspectives I never would’ve otherwise. The emotional depth of the characters is incredibly well-developed, and the sheer amount of fully-realized events covered in a relatively short amount of pages is masterful.
The pacing felt a bit wobbly, slightly repetitive, and had me wanting more of some scenes and less of others. I also felt that the building tension came to a rather abrupt ending, leaving me not quite satisfied with the payoff. Regardless, this is a story I won’t long forget. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a literary, historical, family epic, with plenty of emotional depth and important, relevant topics for discussion.
Huge thank you to the publisher for my copy! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the dual narratives that are being told to us simultaneously, demonstrating both the immediate and far reaches of generational trauma. This is ultimately a story that explores culture and identity in the face of colonialism. It took about 50 pages for me to really sink my teeth into it, but once I was in it, it was hard to put down.
I found the historical aspects of this novel absolutely captivating and immersive. I learned much during my time in this story and was able to hear from perspectives I never would’ve otherwise. The emotional depth of the characters is incredibly well-developed, and the sheer amount of fully-realized events covered in a relatively short amount of pages is masterful.
The pacing felt a bit wobbly, slightly repetitive, and had me wanting more of some scenes and less of others. I also felt that the building tension came to a rather abrupt ending, leaving me not quite satisfied with the payoff. Regardless, this is a story I won’t long forget. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a literary, historical, family epic, with plenty of emotional depth and important, relevant topics for discussion.
Huge thank you to the publisher for my copy! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2026
Thank you @harperviabooks for this gifted book. Thank you @harperaudio for the gifted audiobook via @NetGalley.
Truly an immersive walk through Hawaiian history, with tales of Captain Cook, the prophecy of the pōhaku, royalty and religion, generational trauma, and the protection of what is your home.
The narrative, being told by a grandmother recounting her heritage to her granddaughter, who is lying in a coma, feels very much like historical fiction. The narrative spans from the 1700s to the 1990s and traverses several parts of the world, but focuses on generations of women from Hawaii to California. Not only does it show their resilience, but also the effects of colonialism, capitalism, missionaries, and greed that shaped them. It was through these sections that I was engaged, and I admit I learned a great deal about Hawaii’s history and culture.
What I struggled with was when the modern-day timeline was interjected; it felt disjointed, and we have very little clue about what is happening with her granddaughter. You feel this big shadow, but it never lifts. It didn’t allow me to connect with the characters. I would have preferred the grandmother and granddaughter to be more integral to the story, or for the focus to remain on the amazing historical aspects.
🎧 I was grateful to have the audiobook narrated by Jolene Jaxon, as I loved being able to hear the correct pronunciation of the Hawaiian words and names. It made for a more immersive and authentic experience.
3.5 🌟
Truly an immersive walk through Hawaiian history, with tales of Captain Cook, the prophecy of the pōhaku, royalty and religion, generational trauma, and the protection of what is your home.
The narrative, being told by a grandmother recounting her heritage to her granddaughter, who is lying in a coma, feels very much like historical fiction. The narrative spans from the 1700s to the 1990s and traverses several parts of the world, but focuses on generations of women from Hawaii to California. Not only does it show their resilience, but also the effects of colonialism, capitalism, missionaries, and greed that shaped them. It was through these sections that I was engaged, and I admit I learned a great deal about Hawaii’s history and culture.
What I struggled with was when the modern-day timeline was interjected; it felt disjointed, and we have very little clue about what is happening with her granddaughter. You feel this big shadow, but it never lifts. It didn’t allow me to connect with the characters. I would have preferred the grandmother and granddaughter to be more integral to the story, or for the focus to remain on the amazing historical aspects.
🎧 I was grateful to have the audiobook narrated by Jolene Jaxon, as I loved being able to hear the correct pronunciation of the Hawaiian words and names. It made for a more immersive and authentic experience.
3.5 🌟
May 13, 2026
This novel is a conflicting blend of beautiful cultural preservation and dry, academic exhaustion. The story begins with a captivating sense of magical realism through Pua Kalihuna and the 1844 burial of the pōhaku. The naming of Mahinahina—representing the silvery haze of moonlight—is a standout moment, offering a poetic metaphor for a culture forced to survive in the shadows. These early chapters promise a deep, spiritual journey that feels both grounded and significant.
However, the middle of the book often trades that narrative magic for the tone of a mandatory history lesson. The deep dives into 1846, 1848, and 1860 focus heavily on the disgraceful and cruel mechanics of land grabs and forced religion. While these historical parallels are important, they are presented with a bureaucratic weight that makes the story feel increasingly detached and difficult to finish. It becomes less about the characters and more about a relentless cycle of colonial catastrophe that bogs down the pacing.
The most frustrating aspect is the conclusion. As the 1992 timeline counts down to the minutes before Hurricane Iniki hits, the pressure reaches a breaking point, only for the story to abruptly stop. Leaving the granddaughter’s fate and the grandmother’s mental state entirely ambiguous. Without a clear answer on whether anyone truly woke up or if the connection to the ancestors was real, the ending feels incomplete. It leaves you in the wreckage of a storm with no closure, suggesting that the only thing these generations can count on is the next disaster.
However, the middle of the book often trades that narrative magic for the tone of a mandatory history lesson. The deep dives into 1846, 1848, and 1860 focus heavily on the disgraceful and cruel mechanics of land grabs and forced religion. While these historical parallels are important, they are presented with a bureaucratic weight that makes the story feel increasingly detached and difficult to finish. It becomes less about the characters and more about a relentless cycle of colonial catastrophe that bogs down the pacing.
The most frustrating aspect is the conclusion. As the 1992 timeline counts down to the minutes before Hurricane Iniki hits, the pressure reaches a breaking point, only for the story to abruptly stop. Leaving the granddaughter’s fate and the grandmother’s mental state entirely ambiguous. Without a clear answer on whether anyone truly woke up or if the connection to the ancestors was real, the ending feels incomplete. It leaves you in the wreckage of a storm with no closure, suggesting that the only thing these generations can count on is the next disaster.
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