Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai'i

Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai'i

This is the story of Wai-nani, the favorite wife of the warrior- chief destined to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Wai-nani defied the death-dealing priests and challenged the role of women. Willful and passionate, she questioned kapu; the strict laws governing all Polynesians for centuries. Believed to be handed down directly from the gods the kapu system called for human sacrifice, a slave class and limiting roles for women. Through her eyes we feel present in the lives of early Hawaiian royals and learn the secrets of the mysterious Polynesian culture. We see firsthand the impact of the Hawaiians first contact with the white man when Captain Cook sets foot on the shores of Kealakekua Bay in 1779. In the arms of the vibrant sea, Wai-nani would swim for hours with her dolphin family finding solace, joy, strength and clarity that would challenge and alter the Islands’ history forever. Wai-nani takes you on a seductive journey casting a spell that transports you back to the heart and soul of old Hawaii. Wai-nani is a truly beautiful story, written with lush language that emotes the warm aloha of my people, while bringing our ancient culture and mysticism to life. Tori Eldridge, Author Author Linda Ballou's thoroughly researched novel shines in its detail about pre-Captain Cook Hawaiian culture. She effortlessly weaves into her narrative details of the customs, gods, war campaigns, hunting, celebrations, spirits, taboos and flora and fauna of early Hawaii. The lavish colors of Hawaii literally jump off each page as she takes the reader on an inside tour of the famous islands. Reading about Wai-Nani's special relationship with the dolphins below the water is an additional treat. Kudos to Linda Ballou for delivering vivid imagery, historical detail, emotional impact, tragedy and triumph with such sensual beauty. I have never seen Hawaii. Wai-nani makes me want to visit. Press in to really "get" this book. Wai-nani's story is told in a hypnotic, fairy-tale or high legend voice that took me a chapter or two to get into--but once I did, I was fascinated with the way Linda Ballou had taken us into the intimate and unknown world of the Hawaiian people through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine. Wai-nani is fierce, passionate, and deeply connected to the land and ocean--and to her complex and multi-faceted warrior husband. It reminded me how fully developed the civilization of the Hawaiian people was, and how large their population, before the fateful arrival of "Kapena Kuke" and his "floating heiau." Thanks for this journey to another time and a Hawaii seen through a princess of its people.Toby Neal, Author Wai-nani tells the love story of the first High Chiefess of Hawaii, and the fierce, great warrior and magnificent ruler, Makaha, who unified the Hawaiian islands in the late 18th Century. Wai-nani emerges as a young, beautiful, strong, powerful, and "Free-Spirited" modern woman in an ancient society. She is a woman before her time, who rose to a position (Kuhina-Nui) no other had risen before her, and one who helped bring about changes that elevated the status of women. She loves the sea and her dolphin friends, where she finds peace, solitude, and comfort from the harsh traditions imposed on her and her people. She defies the 'kapus' (taboos) of the time and wishes and vows one day to see the savage ways of the long-ago lifted, where men and women can sit together and share their joys and troubles without the fear of the death-dealing Kahunas. Linda Ballou has done extensive research on the history of the characters and Hawaii and gives the reader blow-by-blow details in a flowery, poetic, and interesting language. She manages to intertwine a love story with historical facts and has done a superb job. She narrates the story through Wai-nani's eyes and experiences, and she makes it all come alive for the reader. I found myself transported into an ancient world where human sacrifices were common and where people were put to death for disobeying the laws. I felt as if I was present in the lives of the common people, the warriors, and the royal families of the time, as well as in the midst of the lush valleys and beautiful sand beaches and mountains of the Islands. Although this is a story of the past, Linda manages to bring out the human emotions, feelings, and struggles of the present in all of us, which transcend times and cultures. I found the book educational and very entertaining. Make sure you look up the glossary at the end of the book before you get started, it will make it easier to follow the unfamiliar words, names, and places of the Hawaiian culture. A love triangle of extremes has proven to be a solid base for Linda's writing. From her roots in Alaska, she received strength, centeredness, and respect for the awful power of nature that carried her forward into an adventure travel writing career. Embrace of the Wild her historical novel inspired by the life of Isabella Bird speaks of her