S H A R K S I N T H E T I M E O F S A V I O U R S

// Sharks in the time of Saviours // Kawai Strong Washburn // Book Review 4.5⭐️ //

“Years already I'd been trying to understand what was inside me, while the rest of the world was trying to tear it out.”

A young native Hawaiian boy, Nainoa Flores, falls overboard, his mother jumps in after him to see the arrival of four sharks circling. As the sharks jaw opens, it softly picks up Nainoa and gently delivers him to his family untouched. Kāmohoaliʻi, the shark god in Hawaiian folk tales, a great honour to be protected by him. Nainoa is blessed or cursed with a gift, greater than himself. It follows his family, trying to escape poverty but followed by misfortune, love, resentments and pressure within.

Such a poetic but hard hitting story. I loved the incredible blending of connection to the land, their ancestors and folklore. It is told in narrative from each of the family members over the years, giving their unique perspective. All of the family feeling their overwhelming connection to their land, heritage and ancestors. Washburn’s debut novel, encompasses his homeland of Hawaii, tackling issues of race, poverty and class, shattering preconceptions.

Incredible debut novel, really excited to see Washburn’s next move 🦈