Island Tales / On the Makaloa Mat by Jack London

"On the Makaloa Mat" by Jack London is a collection of narratives first published in the early 20th century. The stories unfold in the Hawaiian Islands, exploring themes of family, culture, and the complexities of life through richly drawn characters, particularly focusing on the lives of Hawaiian women and their relationships. The opening installment introduces Martha Scandwell, her family dynamics, and the contrasting backgrounds of her and her sister, all set against the idyllic yet culturally rich Hawaiian landscape. The opening of "On the Makaloa Mat" presents the character of Martha Scandwell, who observes her surroundings in a beautiful home by the ocean in Waikiki. As she interacts with her sister, Bella, the story delves into their shared history and familial ties, revealing deeper narratives concerning marriage, heritage, and the duality of their identities as both Hawaiians and individuals of European descent. Their conversation touches on the past, including the joys and hardships of their lives and marriages, setting the stage for a meditative exploration of personal sacrifice and the nuances of love and community, while also highlighting the interplay between traditional Hawaiian life and the influences of Western culture. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author London, Jack, 1876-1916
Title Island Tales / On the Makaloa Mat
Contents On the Makaloa mat -- The bones of Kahelili -- When Alice told her soul -- Shin-bones -- The water baby -- The tears of Ah Kim -- The Kanaka surf.
Credits David Price
Reading Level Reading ease score: 78.8 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Hawaii -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 2152
Release Date
Last Update Sep 27, 2021
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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