'The novel you never knew you were waiting for' Marlon James'As vivid as it is splendid' New
York Times'I didn't want it to end' Sarah MossA Barack Obama Book of the Year. Named one of the
Best Books of 2020 by New York Times Guardian Irish Times Oprah Magazine BBC Culture Good
Housekeeping Kirkus Reviews and AmazonIn 1995 in Kailua-Kona Hawai'i seven-year-old Nainoa
Flores is saved from drowning by a shiver of sharks. His family struggling to make ends meet
amidst the collapse of the sugar cane industry hails his rescue as a sign of favour from
ancient Hawaiian gods.But as time passes this hope gives way to economic realities forcing
Nainoa and his siblings to seek salvation across the continental United States leaving behind
home and family.With a profound command of language Washburn's powerful debut novel examines
what it means to be both of a place and a stranger in it.
