Dragonfruit

by Malia Mattoch McManus

HAWAI'I, 1891. As the heiress to a plantation fortune, Eliza Dawson occupies a privileged place in the opulent court of Hawaii's King Kalakaua. But her secret plan to marry the son of an opium tycoon collapses when political crisis forces him to China. Pregnant and desperate to keep her child, Eliza must wed an opportunistic rancher on the remote island of Moloka'i. After a devastating fire, Eliza makes a daring escape to Honolulu on the eve of the American overthrow and joins the clandestine fight to restore the Hawaiian monarchy. When a mysterious figure from Moloka'i reveals powerful secrets, only one man can help Eliza find the truth-her first love. But soon, their search for answers threatens to unravel the life she's rebuilt in a dramatically changed Hawai'i. Dragonfruit is both a vivid portrait of Hawai'i in a time of historic upheaval and the story of a woman shaped by love, betrayal, and the intoxicating power of the past.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

334 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2017

About the author

Malia Mattoch McManus was born in Hawai'i and raised in Kailua. She has worked as a reporter and anchor in Honolulu and lives there with her family.

Reviews

[Petra schatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was completely wrapped up in the characters. I even asked my husband if I could read the book in the car on our way to dinner because I literally didn't want to put in down. I don't usually choose historical fiction but I am so glad I read this one. The story is beautiful and painful and full of love.

[Jill Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Dragonfruit. I am always looking for Hawaii based fiction. As a longtime resident of Hawaii, I know the story of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy well and Mattoch McManus has told it accurately.
The protagonist in this case is non Hawaiian and pro-monarchy and this makes the book original because it is uncommon to hear the story told from this point of view.
The characters were interesting and made more so because not all of them were likable. Eliza, the main character falls in love someone unsuitable, who leaves her out of familial duty without knowing she is pregnant with his child. This is where the story begins, but after that it grows much more original. The writing is beautiful and the dialogue is believable. There is also the added pleasure of the hauntingly beautiful cover photo.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite book about Hawai’i! Beautifully written historical fiction, masterfully told, and interwoven with a great knowledge of and love for our history and our islands. Hana Hou, Malia Mattoch McManus!

[Rohit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo!! A riveting saga that weaves a captivating story around a page from the annals of Hawai'i and her tragic past. Malia gifts us a truthful and poignant journey that within moments hits closer to home and becomes our own so organic that one feels deep pain, unabashed joy, angered triumph, violent rage, peaceful nationalism, true love and passion, illicit betrayal...we can taste dragonfruit, waft in the scent of Pikake and feel the salt of the ocean. Hawai'i became my home and its story an ohana in 300 odd pages as I drifted to and fro from Ainahau, Molokai, Nuuanu, Fort St, Iolani, Washington Place, Pali Dr, St. Andrews Cathedral and Market St. Aloha 'Oe. Mahalo. Like I was In Hawaii yesterday and she was in me.

[Kapiolani Costales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! The perspective of the main character was both everything & heartbreaking at the same time.

[Christin Lozano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Dragonfruit as it was recommended by our library's book club and I have to say it was such a pleasure to read! I always enjoy reading historical fiction and this novel was especially great to read since it was written by someone from Hawaii. I loved the lush details of the setting, the exciting plot and the way the author sprinkled Hawaiian words throughout. As a librarian here in Hawaii, I highly recommend this book!

[Jenn Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really transported the reader back in time during a transformative and turbulent time in Hawai’i’s history. It brought a lot of what I’ve read in history books to life through the characters and their stories. I felt it painted a realistic picture of the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the divisiveness going on at the time. The book strikes an amazing balance between an education about Hawai’i’s annexation as well as riveting character stories that make you want to keep turning the page.

[annette M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew the facts of the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom but this book made an impact on my view the forward. It was such a treat to learn history while being intrigued and entertained by the characters relationships. Mahalo! I hope this author will.write another Hawaiian based historical drama, maybe set earlier in one of the queens of kamehameha?

[Christina Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I loved the focus on Hawaiian history and the royal family. Very well done

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragonfruit is a compelling and fabulous book! I truly enjoyed it, start to finish. Having come from New England, and now living in Hawaii for 20+ years this book was especially interesting. I learned a great deal about Hawaii’s unique history through this wonderful novel. I’m really excited about this book and highly recommend it to anyone with connections to Hawaii.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant and, at times, achingly sad story that brings emotional life to an event; the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, that I knew intellectually, but never fully understood with my heart the way I do now. All wrapped up in a very readable narrative with an engaging protagonist. It truly brings that era to life.

[Chrissann Nickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a weekend, as I couldn't put it down. I knew very little about Hawaii's past prior to reading it and was riveted by the historical details of it all. The story and characters are equally captivating - even days after finishing the book, they're still on my mind. I really loved this story and plan on gifting it to several friends who love islands and historical novels too.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but I have to say this book really drew me in. The story line just got more and more engaging as I read. I loved the characters as well, and I will miss spending time with them. Malia McManus paints a beautiful picture of Hawaii in a time of transition and turmoil. I have been binge reading for the past few days, staying up too late, and now I'm so sad it's over!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malia McManus is a gifted, talented writer that weaves a captivating, cultural, historical and suspenseful tale of a young missionary girl's coming of age during the otherthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy. You are transported back in time, and feel as if you are actually there through Malia's poetic, descriptive narrative. Not only was it a fabulous refresher in Hawaiian history but I learned so many new facts that were never mentioned in my Hawaiian studies books. You will definitely not be able to put this gem down.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for:
-an engaging read
-good characters
-great plot
-historical fiction
-details of old Hawai'i
then you will love this book! It was a quick, enjoyable read; perfect for summer or any other time of year!

[Valerie Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: I really haven’t read much fiction set in Hawaii so I can’t compare it to whatever else is out there. I was in the mood for historical fiction set in Hawaii after visiting queen Emma’s summer palace for the first time (only took 16 years after moving here!). They had this book in the gift shop—perfect. I’m always looking to buy local & things by women (check & check). This book was very well-researched & really pulled me in emotionally—by the end. I feel like the characters, history, atmosphere, story, themes, were all great. What I didn’t like: I felt a MAJOR plot point was bungled (written too quickly/in passing and confusingly/the protagonist’s reaction was not realistic); some Hawaiian words seemed to be italicized or explained and others not (same with the diacritics, which could be a mistake); somethings about the places and people and history were explained in an unnecessary way (for a reader from Hawaii) which pulled me out of the immersive experience of reading. I would read more by this author.

[Zurreally · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We were guilty not of treason to Americans, but of half-heartedness to Hawaiians.”

Such a heartbreaking look at the history of Hawaii told through the eyes of both a haole main character and author. Reading this novel through the veil of white guilt and the usual perversely accompanied white savior complex was a challenge… Despite the deep-seated trauma, I rounded up an extra star (or two) for the compelling storytelling, while considering that Dragonfruit is an opportunity for another white author to earn money off the illegal overthrow of Hawaii and the ongoing subjugation and exploitation of Kanaka Maoli and their aina.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eliza finds herself torn between family, government, and politics when she falls for a drug dealer. Her lover flees and the situation forces her to marry someone else to keep her child. The story is set during the time the United States government worked to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy. The author does a fine job describing the religion, weapons, and a superior belief in ones actions can undermine families and monarchies.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sad story of the corporate takeover of the monarchical government of Hawaii from the perspective of a sympathetic "haole" or white woman. By the 3rd generation of missionary families, the whites had the land and the natives had the bible. Unfortunately, the same story as many countries.
Written in first person narrative, you experience the political events of end of the 19th century there, but also become familiar with the life and culture of the times. If you liked 'Molokai', then I highly recommend this book.

[Debara Zeller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this 3.5 stars. I read it because 1) I know the author--she was a student of my husband's at Punahou School; and 2) I live in Hawaii. I found "Dragonfruit" a more interesting way to learn about Hawaiian history than via history books.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book if you are interested in learning about the overthrow of the Hawaiian royalty at the turn of the 20th century. I learned a lot about life in Hawaii not only on O’ahu but on Malikai and it’s leprosy colony too.

[Donna Von Bruening · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story interweaving, love, family and generational expectations and politics bringing to life the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in the late 1800's. Malia writes charters that bring out the reader's empathy and frustration for their choices or lack thereof. I highly recommend.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really got to me. So sad for the main character and the Hawaiian people.

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story from start to finish!

[Cheyne Nomura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. I tried to look past the fact that I don’t care for historical fiction, but the writing lacked panache, and I wasn’t able to fully invest in any of the characters.

[Ibtissam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciate it for the history lesson of colonization in hawaii

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-3.75

[Lori Kresse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely historical saga with some romantic elements. Well-written and good character development even though the pacing was odd at times. It made me want to look more into Hawaii’s history.