Told in the first person by the husband of the dying woman, there is a lot of superficial introspection that leads nowhere. Perhaps that is the point. I found it frustrating and dull.

For example, an old cousin tells how he helped soldiers during the war. Matt's thought: "He tells me about the soldiers as though it's the first time he has ever told me, and it makes me sad and uncomfortable and a little angry." Ok. Why? What about it? Where does this go? Nowhere.

This is about one man's confusion about dealing with people and emotion.

Hawai'i and its history play no real role. It could have been set anywhere. ( )

Wonderful! And almost EXACTLY like the movie. ( )

This is not an easy read and yet it is an incredibly rewarding read. The book's premise is deep and dark and yet there is light that emerges. The author does an amazing job with the characters, setting, issues, pace--you name it. I actually saw the movie based on the book first. What's also amazing is how true to the book the movie is. This feels rare these days and yet it works. I will be looking for more work from Kaui Hart Hemmings. ( )

Better than the movie! ( )

The characters were not endearing and other than they were going through a hard time we not relatable. There was not a lot of environmental descriptions and far to much pity partying. ( )