Honolulu, by Alan
Brennert, is historical fiction covering the years from 1897 to 1957 of Hawaii,
Korea, and the United States. The main
character, Regret (later named Jin), was a picture bride in Korea who went to
Hawaii to meet her mate. She met three
friends along the way: Jade Moon, Wise
Pearl, and Beauty. They were picture
brides from the same area of Korea, sisters of Kyongsang.
Discussion of the book was done by each participant becoming
a character in the book. They introduced
themselves and were asked a question about their lives. Fictional characters included the picture
brides, husband Jae-Sun, Evening Rose, and Blossom. Historical characters included in the book
were Queen Lili’uokalani, Chang Apana, and Duke Kahanmoku. The character May Thompson (Marcia) was
similar to Sadie Thompson, a fictional character in Somerset Maugham’s story
which was later turned into a movie and musical in 1953. As a white she could not marry a Samoan and
was deported from the island.
Joseph Kahahawai Jr. was a real person included in the
story. His trial brought to focus the
two systems of justice for haoles and “locals” in Hawaii. After each character was interviewed, the
participant received a lei. We were a
colorful group.
Joyce pointed out that picture brides of Korea had
similarities to our social internet match-making services. Morna and Marcia also noted that women in
Korea were lower-class citizens. They
had fewer opportunities than women in America.
Evening Rose (Pam) was influential in Jin’s success by helping her learn
to read. Jin was punished in Korea for
daring to learn reading. Blossom (Linda)
was hindered by the Oriental Exclusion Act of 1924 but was eventually
successful in Korea.
Chang Apana (Jay) felt his legacy was helping to change the
image of Asian Americans. Queen
Lili’uokalani (Joyce) and Jin both were living in countries that were being
subjugated by other countries (U.S. and Japan).
Duke Kahanamoku was a popular surfer in 24 Hollywood films. It was mentioned (Joanne) that Jin was the
Forrest Gump of her generation since she met so many prominent personalities.
Jae-Sun (Ken) overcame his cultural leanings to accept his
new wife and also his (and society’s) prejudices against Japanese to accept
changes in Hawaii. Beauty (Carla) had a
rough life but preferred Hawaii to Korea since she had more opportunities and
greater respect. Wise Pearl and Jade
Moon completed the patchwork quilt of Jin’s life. Through sharing cultures and support for each
other, Hawaii became a mixed plate (as in Jae-Sun’s restaurant) and not a
melting pot in other parts of the United States.
Coconut, pineapple, and Asian cookies/treats were
shared. Hula steps were attempted. Thanks
to Cindy T. for nominating the book and for providing the fun and this summary of
the book and discussion.
