Sharks in the Time of Saviors A Novel

Wow, GoodReads is telling me I started Sharks in the Time of Survivors on April 22nd and didn't finish it until today, July 23rd. This is pretty on brand for me, though, when I really like a book or show—I do this thing where I slow way down because I don't want it to end. Sharks was definitely that kind of book for me. And this was one of those reads where I didn't want any of it to end. I didn't want to stop reading Strong Washburn's totally intoxicating, living, breathing prose. I didn't want to leave the characters who I felt I had grown to know so intimately. It and they felt very real to me. I wanted them to make it, even when they were being their worst, because their worst reflects all of our worsts so well. I also very much respect Strong Washburn for the reverence he has for his homeland that he's made palpable in this book. I've been reading interviews with him and the acknowledgements in the back and he strikes me as honest in his passion. Honest and loving. He is always sure to drop the names of those who came before, an extension of the magic of Sharks. I don't know, I feel a lot of things that I'm not articulating well, but damn, this is hands down one of my most favorite books ever. Already thinking of a reread ;)

First person narration alternating between all members of the family. A lovely read, yet I don't think it will stay with me.

I found myself wanting more of a complete ending. It’s not part of a series and I felt so unfulfilled by the time I came to the end of it. It took me a longgggg time to read the book because I didn’t find myself being drawn in by the plot.

An interesting novel of a Hawaiian family and their struggles: How an incident with sharks both saved and shattered them, and their subsequent search for meaning amid superstition.

so gorgeous, and what an ending!

Gorgeous

TWs: death, grief, drug use, homophobia, animal death, parent with dementia/care work, mentions of sexual assault, self harm, suicidal ideation

3.5

A ruthless look into indigenous diaspora, poverty, and expectations that challenges the western idea of "wasted potential," as a claustrophobic determinant of identity. The prose flows wonderfully and communicates such a depth of emotion that you can't help but feel your heart sink and rise in tandem with the characters'. Fantastic read that left me sitting and thinking long after I closed it.

This definitely needs a physical reread. I listened to it on audio while on a long drive and it was very engrossing, but I definitely didn't know what I was getting myself into. Filled with some magical realism elements, but steeped in family pain and history. Amazingly rich with cultural heritage but also confronts the taking of lands and colonization of Hawai'i. Really beautifully written. Heartbreaking. Honest. Hopeful. I should mention I really enjoyed the audiobook and it helped with the vernacular, but I also think this is the type of book worth sitting with and marinating on a little so I would love to physically read it next time.

this is a story of siblings who drift apart to find themselves and come together during a major twist (no spoilers!) that demonstrates just how deep some relationships run in your soul. it also brings up a great internal discussion about spirituality and the connections it forms