It’s a story, first and foremost, set in Hawai’i, and the characters are shaped by the geography and culture and history of the island.Īnd, it’s realistic. It’s about those around the gifted ones, not wanting to feel like second fiddle. What I will tell you: it’s not just about the pressures of being chosen, or being gifted. I went into reading this not knowing much, so I don’t want to tell you much more. What worked so well, for me, about Sharks in the Time of Saviors was how deftly Washburn interwove the history of Hawai’i, from the myths of Hawaiian gods to the history of brutal colonization and exploitation. Soon, his parents are shifting all attention onto him, and pinning their hopes of a greater life - and even a better Hawai’i - onto his abilities. Soon, Noa is a local hero - and dealing with newfound talents, like the ability to heal injuries. Instead of eating him, or harming him, one shark gently takes Noa in his mouth and brings him back to the boat. Noa, 7 years old, falls in, and sharks start circling. Before they go, they decide to take a glass-bottom tour boat, meant for tourists. Near the start of the book, their parents (Malia & Augie) decide to move to O’ahu in search of more opportunities.

All you should know going into it: beautifully rendered characters.ģ) telling a tale of old gods & faith & modernity … They are a working-class native Hawaiian & Filipino family, struggling to make ends meet and aspiring for greater things beyond their lives - professional basketball, an engineering job, and more. The family at the heart of the novel is the Flores family - Dean, Noa, and Kaui are the three siblings we spend our time with. The timeline of the book - starting in 1995, and going through the late 2008/9ish – coupled with alternating perspectives between three siblings, plus their mom, made it feel effortless.Ģ) Gorgeous story of a native Hawaiian family. And the fastness I read something is no indicator of quality (sometimes I start a book and just want to finish it, so I power through), but in this case, I was captivated by Washburn’s writing.

Shark in the time of saviors