Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn

Title: Sharks in the Time of Saviors
Author: Kawai Strong Washburn
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: Fiction, Magical Realism
Year of Publication: 2020
Date of Publication: March 3, 2020
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 0374272085
ISBN-13: 978-0374272081

Summary

Sharks in the Time of Saviors blends Hawaiian mythology and family dynamics as it tells the story of the Flores family. 

When Nainoa, the youngest son, is miraculously saved by sharks, the family believes he is destined for greatness, but they all face personal challenges in seeking meaning and redemption.

Main Plot & Characters

Nainoa Flores, saved from drowning by a shark, grows up carrying the weight of his family’s expectations. 

His siblings, Dean and Kaui, struggle to find their own identities as they navigate their connection to Hawaiian culture and the complex reality of family pressures. 

Each family member’s journey explores the power of heritage and resilience.

Key Themes of Sharks in the Time of Saviors

• Cultural Identity: Explores Hawaiian culture and mythology.
• Family and Expectations: Examines the pressures within family dynamics.
• Faith and Myth: Blends reality with the spiritual beliefs of the Hawaiian people.
• Individuality and Belonging: Follows each character’s quest for identity and purpose.

Writing Style

Kawai Strong Washburn writes in a way that blends magical elements with personal stories.

He describes Hawaii in a detailed manner and makes the setting feel real.

Impact of Sharks in the Time of Saviors

The novel received praise for how it combines myth and contemporary storytelling.

It was shortlisted for several awards including the 2021 PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel and the 2021 Minnesota Book Award.

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