Customer Reviews

After the Ball

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those who enjoyed "Youth in Revolt", here's a pre-computer version that offers an unique blend of coming-of-age and historical relevance. Percy, the protagonist, serves as an excellent conduit for the author's remembrances of pre-WWII Oahu, with side trips to Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii. For those familiar with these islands, this book offers a chance to see Hawaii when it was a relatively unspoiled paradise. For those of us raised in "unconventional" families, Percy's search for answers will strike poignant chords.

This book captures a child's life in Hawaii with a nostalgic preciseness that is rare to find. Penhallow has a knack for describing life through a child's eyes with exceptional precision and this is truly a gem to read.

A very special first-person childs-eye view of life in Hawaii in pre-Pearl Harbor Hawaii. It's a wonderful and unique story, sometimes very funny, rich in descriptions of places and people leading up to and during a highly dramatic historical event. I gave it only 4 stars because I prefer stories that are more tightly woven, and I felt that there were a few inconsistencies in the narrative. Still, 4 stars for a first novel is definitely well above average and a worth-while read for anyone who loves children and their views on life in a dysfunctional family. Add the settings of Hawaii in 1940-41, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and a child's loss of innocence to the mix, and, well, read it for yourself!

This is the story of Percy, a fat and sassy movie-crazed kid, who loves mayonnaise sandwiches, his mother and his wonderful housekeeper/companion, who is Japanese. Percy is a cross dresser because he loves to re-enact the movies they see...His life is set against the late 30's, to mid-forties, up to and including the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It depicts a rich mix of people and customs in The Hawaiian islands and the shock of that bombing seemed very real. There is also a family curse which is tragically ongoing.
Percy is so very alive, that when I finished the book, I felt compelled to learn more about what had happened to him since, and was inspired to meet the author. Happily, I found him working on the sequel. I am eagerly awaiting it's publication!

I finished After the Ball several weeks ago, but it is complex and haunting enough to remain in my thoughts. One can't help but wonder how much of chubby, young Percy is actually fashioned after author David Penhallow! Could anyone really have so many domineering and opinionated aunties and such a mix of macho, milk-toast and/or missing uncles? Percy is a youngster with a lot of unguided and unappreciated imagination. To make matters worse, he is stuck in a huge, arrogant and highly dysfunctional family, many of whom see themselves as top drawer players in an island paradise that they rule through their commerce, influence, roots and holdings.

I truly enjoyed this book which was written with many layers of complexity. There are lots of things going on throughout. In addition to the characters, the misunderstandings and resulting, often wayward, behaviors of a precocious, neglected little boy, the reader finds historically accurate descriptions of both time and place, as well as realistic presentation of the political concerns in America in 1940-41. The narrative is first rate, placing the reader right in the middle of all the action, with a side of Best Foods Mayonnaise and the glamour of Tinsel Town cinema, to boot.

I give it 4 stars because it could have used tighter editing and proof-reading. And, perhaps, a little less repetition in some areas. However, it was a wonderful read that leaves me awaiting the sequel. I highly recommend it.

I picked this up from the used book shelf at my local library (Thelma Parker in Waimea) and almost put it back, being turned off by the cover and big size for a first novel. Boy, am I glad I gave it a try. It was great. Oddball characters, wonderful settings, and historical nuggets from 1941 Hawai`i. I recommend it.

I am enjoying this story enough to read it slow. With the tales I recall Mr. Penhallow telling us in class, and this story, I feel like I know "Percy" all the better. This story shows the essence of growing up different and alone. Plus I too am a Mayo Affectionato.
I look forward to finishing the book.

If you've been to Hawaii you'll enjoy this story. The story is told through the eyes of Percy, a naive, charming, exceptional child. Humorous and sad, it has colorful characters who are believable at times.