Volcanoes, Palm Trees & Privilege: Essays on Hawai’i

This essay collection from short story author Prato (Baby’s on Fire) begins in off-puttingly strident fashion, but soon finds itself on firmer ground. Prato’s initial, undoubtedly well-intended focus—on expressing indignation over the colonial expropriation of native Hawaiian lands in the 19th century—smacks a little of grandstanding on others’ behalf. However, once she starts interweaving her own memories into her discussions of Hawaiian history and culture, the work becomes far more assured. As Prato explains, she first visited the islands as a youngster, accompanied by her crumbling family, and has returned at different moments in her life. Prato shares what she has learned about traditions, such as the “Aloha Spirit” of kindness and the emergence of the ukulele as a national instrument. She also delves into thornier subjects: the economic inequities between tourists and residents, and the subtle, and contested, ethnic distinctions which Hawaiians make among themselves. Meanwhile, Prato explores her own troubles—by 44, she had lost her entire immediate family—and how visiting Hawaii became a balm (“This is my Eden.”) Prato’s work stays winningly informal and idiosyncratic throughout and, after a rocky start, coalesces into an intriguing and informative journey through the 50th state. (Apr.)