While the narrator is a Korean "picture bride" brought to Hawaii to marry a man she's never met, the story gives you a fasinating
look at life in Hawaii before statehood. From the plantations that no longer exist to a Waikiki before hi-rises, we see it all through the eyes of a woman who started out life named "Regret".
Everything good historical fiction should be: entertaining, informative and total immersion in a little known time and place.

Although it is rather lengthy it goes into great detail about Honolulu in the 20's especially. Gives great insight into Korean life and family life. Many characters and great for book discussions.

A story about a Korean women in the early 1900s who takes a chance in a new land called Hawaii. She's very brave and creative, overcoming great hardships. It was an interesting story. I was inspired to be brave myself. It was interesting to learn about Japanese/Korean relations.

I enjoy historical fiction and learned about Korea and the Japanese occupation/influence which
was lacking from my school history lessons.
I enjoyed Brennert's other book, Molokai
A pleasurable, interesting read.

Everyone in our book club thought this book was a winner. The fictional story of a Korean picture bride is interwoven into true life events of Hawaii during the early 1900s. This lead to a great discussion about immigration, racism, womens rights, parenting and a whole host of other topics. Like Molokai, Alan Brennert does not disappoint!

It is so special to those who love Hawaii and for the ones that don't, they will love the book on it's own. Allen Brennert is great.