Who Would Like This Book:
If you love learning about American history with a side of quirk, Sarah Vowell's "Unfamiliar Fishes" is a treat. Vowell brings Hawaii's transformation from sovereign kingdom to U.S. territory alive with her signature humor and sharp, engaging storytelling. She doesn't shy away from the tough topics - missionaries, cultural upheaval, and imperialism - but finds the odd, often hilarious, details that make history pop. Fans of witty narrative nonfiction, NPR listeners, and anyone intrigued by the hidden corners of history will find a lot to savor here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book may not be for everyone - some readers found Vowell’s snarky asides distracting or out of place given the sobering subject matter. Others struggled with the book's meandering structure, especially if they had little background in Hawaiian history. The audiobook, narrated by Vowell herself, proved divisive - her vocal style can be grating for some. And if you prefer a straightforward, in-depth chronological history or lots of footnotes and sources, Vowell's conversational style might leave you wanting more rigor.
About:
Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell is a humorous and informative exploration of the history of Hawaii, focusing on the colonization of the islands by missionaries and Americans. Vowell's witty and snarky writing style brings to light the complexities of Hawaii's past, from the arrival of missionaries in the early 1800s to the annexation by the United States in 1898. The book delves into the clash of cultures, the impact on native Hawaiians, and the transformation of the island paradise into a version of New England, all while maintaining a balanced and engaging narrative.
Vowell's narrative style weaves together historical facts with personal anecdotes, providing readers with a unique perspective on the history of Hawaii. Through a blend of humor, research, and compassion, she navigates the sensitive topics of colonization, cultural assimilation, and political upheaval, offering a thought-provoking and enlightening journey through Hawaii's past.
Genres:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of colonization, cultural erasure, and the consequences of American imperialism.
From The Publisher:
From the author of Lafayette in the Somewhat United States comes an examination of Hawaii, the place where Manifest Destiny got a sunburn.
Of all the countries the United States invaded or colonized in 1898, Sarah Vowell considers the story of the Americanization of Hawaii to be the most intriguing. From the arrival of the New England missionaries in 1820, who came to Christianize the local heathens, to the coup d'état led by the missionaries' sons in 1893, overthrowing the Hawaiian queen, the events leading up to American annexation feature a cast of beguiling, if often appalling or tragic, characters. Whalers who fire cannons at the Bible-thumpers denying them their god-given right to whores; an incestuous princess pulled between her new god and her brother-husband; sugar barons, con men, Theodore Roosevelt, and the last Hawaiian queen, a songwriter whose sentimental ode "Aloha 'Oe" serenaded the first Hawaiian-born president of the United States during his 2009 inaugural parade.
With her trademark wry insights and reporting, Vowell sets out to discover the odd, emblematic, and exceptional history of the fiftieth state. In examining the place where Manifest Destiny got a sunburn, she finds America again, warts and all.
Ratings (4)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (2) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (8):
Read It (4) | |
Want To Read (2) | |
Not Interested (2) |
What can you read after
Unfamiliar Fishes?
About the Author:
Sarah Vowell is the bestselling author of Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, Unfamiliar Fishes, The Wordy Shipmates, Assassination Vacation, and The Partly Cloudy Patriot.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
