Unfamiliar Fishes (2011)

Book Info

Author

Sarah Vowell

Genre

History & Biography

Rating

3.55 of 5 Votes: 3

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ISBN

1594487871 (ISBN13: 9781594487873)

Language

English

Publisher

Riverhead Hardcover

Shops

Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble

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About book Unfamiliar Fishes (2011)

I really like listening to Sarah Vowell read her books and was inspired to get this audiobook from the library after attending an event with her this summer where she read some excerpts. The history of Hawaii is interesting but I had a hard time keeping all of the unfamiliar names and places straight, plus I don't think she wrote entirely chronologically which was confusing at times. I think this might be a better book to read and hopefully the printed version has a timeline and maybe a list of major historical characters. That said, I did learn quite a bit and have a better appreciation for Hawaii now. Interesting read that provided some good understanding to the events leading up to Hawaiian annexation. The drawback for me was the folksy sarcasm employed by the author. References to current history instead of being used to illuminate, often added a condescending slant. Despite this, there are many insights into the thinking and actions of the missionaries, sailors, whalers, adventurers and sugar kings who came to the islands.