From the cauldron of controversy that is Hawaiian history emerged Wai-nani, a reflection of the personage of the great chiefess Ka'ahumanu. Like all islanders she was a water baby who found pleasure, sustenance, solace, wisdom, and courage in the grand and vibrant sea. She was born 15 years prior to the landing of Captain Cook in Kealakekua in 1779 and was the favorite wife of Makaha, a fierce warrior modeled after Kamehameha the Great.
Hawaiian women enjoyed sports, were trained in the martial arts, played active roles in decision making, and participated in wars. They communed with the gods through hula and ritualistic ceremonies. Ka'ahumanu swam miles each day, and it is reasonable to believe she would have made friends in the ocean. Wai-nani's bond with Eku, a playful and communicative dolphin, propels her on a mythological journey couched in magical realism. Wai-nani is a celebration of the Hawaiian people of old - especially the powerful Ka'ahumanu, forerunner to the modern woman.
Would you consider the audio edition of Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai'i to be better than the print version?
In many ways, yes - it makes the characters feel 3 dimensional, making you feel even more like you are experiencing the events firsthand. I truly felt like I was there with Captain Cook and his men; with Wai-nani as she was wave sliding with Makaha; Wai-nani's dolphin friends helping her escape to another island, etc.
What did you like best about this story?
The poetic writing of Linda Ballou. There was a beauty in all her descriptive use of Hawaiian words. I also loved how Ms. Ballou honored the memory of Queen Ka'ahumanu, wife of Kamehameha the First. Ms. Ballou told a much more compelling and entertaining story than Dr. Patterson did in her book, 'Kuhina Nui...'
What about Christine Padovan’s performance did you like?
I like how she made herself sound younger in the beginning of the story, then her voice deepens as Wai-nani becomes older, spanning the 40 plus years of the story. She did a wonderful job with the old style, traditional pronunciations of Hawaiian words - not like how tourists would say them. She either researched or studied with an Hawaiian linguist for this narration.
Any additional comments?
Mahalo nui for a story well told!
