Sharks in the Time of Saviours is a powerful debut novel that delicately blends Hawaiian myth with the broken American dream. With stunning physical detail and a profound command of language, Washburn’s powerful debut examines what it means to be both of a place, and a stranger in it.
Read some 5 star reviews from our Preview readers here:
Sharks in the Time of Saviours is a stunning read. A poignant tale of struggle, hardship and a fundamental family love that trumps all. Kawai Strong Washburn breathes life into the Hawaiian landscape through personification and beautiful lyrical prose. The narrative itself is spine tingling; the magic and wonder produced through powerful imagery synonymous with Polynesian culture is nothing short of dazzling. Raw and emotive, Sharks in the Time of Saviours is one not to be missed. Thank you Better Reading Preview for the advanced copy! – Sarah, VIC, 5 stars
Sharks in the Time of Saviours is an intense, emotional but magical story beautifully told through multiple perspectives about a boy saved from a dire situation in the islands of Hawaii. This book had me feeling so many emotions, a family’s struggle, a mother’s panic and heartache, a child’s need to make sense of the world. I recommend it to anyone looking for a little bit of magic in their lives, this is a unique immersive book that will have you turning the pages eager to see a glimpse into this family’s journey. – Tamara, QLD, 5 stars
You will be mesmerised by the stunningly written Sharks in the Time of Saviours. At the age of seven, Nainoa is miraculously saved from drowning by a shark; as a result, he is considered to be blessed by the gods and ultimately deemed to be the family’s saviour from certain economic destruction. The story is told primarily from the perspectives of Nainoa, his two siblings, and his mother, and each voice is completely unique and compelling. In Nainoa’s chapters we gain insight into his struggle to cope with the pressure of saving his family. In his siblings’ chapters we witness their struggle to live in their brother’s shadow. The book is set in Hawaii and the United States, and the descriptions of place are beautiful and vivid. The language in the book is so exquisite you will want to savour every word. – Amanda, QLD, 5 stars
Sharks in the time of saviours isn’t a book I’d normally read but I’m glad I got a preview copy from better reading. This is a story about family & the things parents will do for their 3 children Nainoa, Dean & Kaui. Even though you know something special happens from the book blurb I don’t want to go into that. The family is already on the move when that happens it just moves the family along into different directions. Being a parent to 4 children I can understand when the other children believe Nainoa is the favourite. All three have their ability’s in life but the parents focus on Nainoa & put the other kids away. They do want what’s best for all their children but it doesn’t go that way. I won’t go into the ending but I was satisfied with it. Everyone, in a way, finding their way & I believe ending up where they belong. I recommend this to anyone who believes in family, culture & has a connection to the land & where they come from. – Terry, NSW, 5 stars
A boy conceived when gods roam the island, gifted (or plagued) with premonitory visions, saved by sharks, able to heal, a boy so special, is bound to be treated differently. So young, yet believing himself charged with the salvation of the islands. This maybe messiah is not an only child. Nor do his parents know quite how to nurture the gift. From them comes favour and protection and support; from his siblings, in addition to the usual love and rivalry, there’s also jealousy and resentment. A powerful, moving debut from an author to watch. – Marianne, NSW, 5 stars
A young boy rescued from drowning by sharks then discovers he has a gift, bestowed upon him by the Gods. Life in Hawaii is tough after the sugar can plantation closes and the Flores family struggles to make ends meet. A different perspective to family events is given by each character in alternating chapters: Malia (mother), Dean and Nainoa (sons), and Kaui (daughter). They use colloquial dialect and you immerse yourself in their world and life changing events. As an avid reader I struggled with this novel. I can appreciate the writer’s vision at the time of writing and you genuinely felt transported to the islands of Hawaii through his descriptive language. As I am not familiar with Hawaiian culture I would have found a glossary extremely helpful to refer to indigenous words used throughout the novel. Unfortunately I felt I was missing out because of this and my knowledge would undoubtedly expand. A beautifully written debut novel examining family connection, heritage and the cost of survival. – Melissa, VIC, 5 stars
Beautifully written this book is set in Hawaii, The Flores family witness a miracle with their son Nainoa ( absolutely no spoilers) This wonderful book will keep readers engrossed from the start to finish – Deborah, NSW, 5 stars
This book is really difficult to review as it’s like nothing else I’ve ever read, is hard to describe and I don’t want to give too much away. I can say that I really enjoyed experience of reading it, even if the journey it took me on wasn’t always the nicest to witness. The language is lyrical and really lets you hear the characters’ voices and the Hawaiian settings are so enticing, it made me want to visit and explore. You really come to know the central family; their sibling bonds of equal parts jealousy, competition and love were so familiar and so true. As a result, even though many of the narrators seem to make poor choices and find themselves in bad situations, I still found myself on their side; really hoping things would turn out ok. – Em, NSW, 5 stars
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