Sharks in the Time of Saviours

Sharks in the Time of Saviours cover
Good Books rating 4.75
Technical
  • ID: 3034
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781786896506
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2020-04-02
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 1

Sharks in the Time of Saviours is a critically acclaimed novel that weaves together the mythic past of Hawai‘i with the harsh realities of modern life. At its heart is the story of Nainoa, who at seven years old is miraculously saved by a shark, an event that casts a long shadow over his family's life. The novel explores themes of poverty, family, and the struggle to reconcile cultural heritage with the American dream, all rendered in beautifully evocative prose that has captivated readers and critics alike. /n/n Praised by the New York Times as 'as vivid as it is splendid' and selected as a best book of the year by numerous publications, this inventive work delves into the complexities of identity and survival. The story spans thirty years, following Noa and his siblings as they navigate the remnants of their ancestral past and the challenges of their present, creating a rich tapestry of human experience that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Reviews
The Readers Room · 2020-04-04
enchanting 4.75

The writing is described as lyrical, with the reviewer losing themselves in the patois. The book sparked a desire to learn more about Hawai'i and its myths.

The reviewer was deeply moved by the lyrical writing style of this novel, finding themselves completely immersed in the story. They highlighted the rich use of patois, which added a unique layer to the narrative. The book also sparked a curiosity about Hawai'i and its myths, making the reader wish they knew more about the culture and its folklore. Overall, the reviewer found the book to be a beautiful and enchanting read.


Quick quotes

    The writing is lyrical and I lost myself in the patois.

    This book has made me wish I knew more about Hawai'i and the myths and legends.

    The characters were strong and each of them had a story to tell.