Hawaiian Lei of Shrunken Heads by Katerina Sestakova Novotna
This bundle of short stories inspired by Hawaii s not for
the faint hearted. But if you’re ok with a well written book, that contains
some scenes of rape and mutilation from the get go, I’ll say go for it. The
theme throughout is Hawaii, its people, gods and traditions. The writer is not
a native to the islands but she has a sensitive and insightful touch and I can
feel she has a great love for her adopted home. Many of us think of Hawaii as
this Island paradise, which makes these stories maybe more, shocking. Paradise
stays interesting for a little while; but it is the darker underbelly that is
far more intriguing. I especially like the last story that carries the tittle
of the book and nicely puts the whole book in context. This is talented writer
with a wicked dark sense of humour. I’ve recently read some other work of hers
in the anthology ‘you’re not alone’ and I’m pleased her work continues to go
from strength to strength.
