Lehua
Ka'ao a Ka Wahine
The story of a woman.
LLehua, Ka`ao a ka Wahine, by Gene J. Parola combines historical narrative with forbidden romance to paint a portrait of life in Hawai`i circa 1819, just as Queen Ka`ahumanu lifts the kapu, essentially abolishing the ancient Hawaiian religion and turning the caste system on its head. It's a period of Hawaiian history that is often glossed over as teachers tend to quickly move to the coming of the Christian missionaries soon after, and I appreciated a more thoughtful approach to the effect these changes had on both the ali`i and maka`ainana--chiefs and commoners alike.
A Romantic Historical Narrative May 28, 2013
By Lehua Parker
As a descendant of both the white merchants and the ali`i, I remember many family conversations, arguments really, about the reasons the Hawaiian nation was eventually conquered by business interests supported by the US government and whether or not this was a pono. Through Lehua's journey, I was better able to understand the different points of view.
I just wish I could go back in time to some of those family discussions and ask more questions!
"LEHUA" is like taking a lush journey to a Hawaii you never knew. November 9, 2013
This is a story so rich in atmosphere and ancient Hawaiian Culture, that as a reader I was struck by just ignorant I was about the culture itself and how greatly it was affected by the influx of travelers, traders and missionaries, who enveloped the Hawaiian islands in the early 1800's.
A combination of these forces mixed in strong combination with the illnesses and even the vices they introduced, were largely responsible for a redistribution of power that would mark the end of the old Hawaiian ways, as the islanders are forced to turn from attendance to the Gods and Goddesses of their Hawaiian ancestry, overseen by their Kahunas to worship the God of Christianity.
[The] possibilities for this book in the classroom are endless. Hawaiian studies,government policy, immigration, emigration, assimilation, and general cross cultural communication studies can all embrace this book.
Travis Bundtzn
Anchorage, Alaska
The story is a delight. Gentle, thoughtful and explores the deep differences between cultures and the clash that occurred when they met. It also explores some of the truths about humans, whatever their ancestry - the struggle for power or glory or both and the lengths that people go to to keep their position within a society.
(It) is also a love story with nuances and I will not spoil it by telling of them.
Paul Smith, Editor
Wise Grey Owl Publishing
Farnham, Surrey, UK