How did far-off Hawaii become part of America? Suppressed for nearly 100 years, it's a story known to few. Inspired by true events, this is the story James Michener never wrote.
Join the Friends of Lauderhill Towne Centre Library for a spirited discussion of The Last Aloha by Gaellen Quinn.
How did Hawaii become part of America? This story, inspired by true events suppressed for nearly 100 years, is the one James Michener never wrote. In 1886, Laura Jennings travels to Hawaii to live with missionary relatives. She imagines she'll live in a grass hut, ministering to savages. When she arrives in Honolulu, she's surprised to find her relatives are among the wealthy elite plotting to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy. And, far from being savages, the Hawaiians have developed a charming and prosperous Victorian kingdom. To avoid her conniving uncle's control, Laura leaves to work for the royal family and learns her family's prejudices against them are false. The last Queen, Lili-uokalani, wages a tragic struggle to save the Kingdom. Through choices she makes when every avenue is blocked, Laura sees the power that can restore the spirit of a people caught in a turbulent world and discovers how long-hidden secrets of her own family lead the way to reunion.
Listen to it here: The Last Aloha by Gaellen Quinn
BAIPA Award Best Historical Fiction.
Praise for the novel:
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book – both for the story it tells and the way it captures the incredibly interesting historical forces that swirled around the Hawaiian monarchy in the late nineteenth century. What makes the tale even more compelling is that those historical forces are so little known and appreciated. The story will keep you turning pages. The history will give you an appreciation of Hawaii you never had before. All-in-all, that’s a formula for a great historical novel."
– Frank Haas, Director for Strategic Development University of Hawaii School of Travel Former VP, Hawaii Tourism Authority
"'The Last Aloha' is a novel of the fall of the prosperous Hawaiian kingdom. A missionary family seems intent with stopping the ‘pagan’ culture, but one of them wants none of the subterfuge. A riveting story of the glory of the Hawaiian kingdom, 'The Last Aloha' is a top pick that should not be overlooked."
– Midwest Book Review
Sponsored by the Friends of Lauderhill Towne Centre Library
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Clubs & Groups | Books | Arts & Cultural |
TAGS: | AAPI Heritage |
Mon, Oct 21 | 12:00PM to 8:00PM |
Tue, Oct 22 | 12:00PM to 8:00PM |
Wed, Oct 23 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Thu, Oct 24 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Fri, Oct 25 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Sat, Oct 26 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
Sun, Oct 27 | Closed |