Customer Reviews

Hawaii Bic & His Gd (States & the Nation)

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What a relief to read a book on Hawaiian history that fills in the gaps with the personalities that shaped Hawaii. Ms. Tabrah's book was hard to put down. It is chronologically sequenced, well-researched, and full of rich Hawaiiana. As a mainland haole and soon to be a malihini and teacher in Hawaii, I feel it my responsibility to know all I can about Hawaiian history. This book was an excellent addition to my reading list.

I must say I was very disappointed in this book. It is no doubt written with much passion but that same passion obscures historical accuracy. The book lacks historical fact to backup what in my opinion is a clear editorial slant. There are very few footnotes to accompany the many statements that appear to be stated as facts. The book is in my opinion clearly anti-haole and glosses over the dark side of native Hawaiian history. A reader of history should be able to read an accurate account of events and then make up their own minds, not have it made up for them. This of course is true of many "accounts" of history and the reader must always be on guard for overt editorial leanings. There are clearly books of Hawaiian history including text books which are just as guilty and have slanted the true history of Hawaii that obscures the many wrongs done to the native people. My view is of neither rather of a need for an accurate account of history.