Don't miss SHARK DIALOGUES and SONG OF THE EXILE also by Hedgebrook alumna Kiana Davenport. Watch for her new book coming soon!

Great read!

I found the history in this book interesting but the misery was sort of overdone, even for me, to the point that it stopped losing meaning. I also didn't find the love story believable so I didn't feel invested in it. I would try another one of her novel's, but this one was just so so for me.

Multi-layered, exotic. The pacing is a little off, but the language and insights of loss are worth it.

The environmental side story can get a bit preachy.

Kiana Davenport has a gift for figurative language. With words she paints vivid pictures of the people and the landscape of Hawaii. Her theme of loss is multi-layered. Within her twisting plot, she includes the dangers of atomic fallout on people and the environment.

This fit my general formula for books: female main character and international/different setting. It wasn't the most amazing book ever, but I enjoyed the story line and was interested throughout.

Great novel, very interesting re: Hawaiian and Russian culture, also interesting commentary on radiation/radiation sickness in not only Hawaii and Russia but around the world, and culture clashes/generational clashes. Definitely a compelling read.

I am surprised at the poor reviews of this book. I love reading the work of Kiana Davenport. It is an almost mystical experience for me. This is the first book of hers that I have read while not in Hawaii but the writing puts me there in my head, and my heart.

good read. quite an expansive story, but still manages a nice degree of character depth

Really enjoyed this book! Started off a bit slow, with many characters and story lines, but became engrossing, touching, and exciting.

A pretty good book that really builds some truths about reality into a well woven fiction. She's not afraid to talk about the bombing being done by our government in the Hawaiian Islands and how it affects the people there.

Such strong, poetic imagery is applied to such depressing subjects that, even though you may not want to read about cancer, poverty, destruction...you can't stop. I'm not entirely on board with the story...particularly the ending with its unlikely connections and unexplained subterfuges, but I do love how this author writes.