Sharks In The Time Of Saviors

Published in 2020, Sharks in the Time of Saviors tells the story of a Hawaiian family whose youngest son, Nainoa, has special healing powers. Malia and Augie Flores look to their favorite son to deliver the family from poverty, but his mysterious healing gift is imperfect, and he becomes increasingly burdened by his failures, the high expectations of him, and the pressure he puts on himself to save everyone.

Written by Kawai Strong Washburn, who was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, the novel explores the cultural clash between native Hawaiians and mainlanders as well as the effects of a favorite son on the family’s dynamics. Ancient Hawaiian legends, gods, and spirits haunt the story and define the character of Malia Flores. Perspectives on these themes vary depending on the point of view of the narrator, with each chapter in the book recounted from the first-person point of view of one of the five main characters.

Plot Summary

From the time of Nainoa’s birth, Malia believes he is special. The night she conceives him on a beach, she and her husband see the night marchers, legendary spirits of ancient Hawaiian warriors.