Kaua'i Kids in Peace and War

Brief Summary

Kaua'i Kids in Peace and War by William J. Fernandez offers an evocative glimpse into the childhood of the author, Bill Fernandez, on the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i during the 1930s and 1940s. The narrative is split into two distinct sections. The first part explores Bill's carefree childhood filled with imaginative adventures using everyday objects around him, against the backdrop of a diverse and tightly-knit community. The second part delves into the shift brought on by World War II, as the bombing of Pearl Harbor altered life dramatically on the small island, introducing a pervasive sense of fear and military presence that contrasted sharply with the innocence of his early years. The book ends on a poignant note as Bill embarks on a new journey to attend Kamehameha School in Honolulu, marking a significant transition in his life.

Main Themes and Topics

Fernandez's memoir touches upon several impactful themes, including childhood innocence, the power of community, and the harsh realities of war. Throughout the first part of the book, the reader is enveloped in the world of exploration and kinship, as Bill and his friends ingeniously fabricate toys and adventures from discarded materials. The story takes a significant turn in the second part as it addresses the abrupt encroachment of war, detailing how life transformed from tranquil to tense, highlighting themes of resilience and adaptability amidst adversity. The memoir also provides a unique view of cultural diversity and acceptance in a small Hawaiian community, showcasing a mosaic of backgrounds that coexisted and supported one another.

Writing Style and Tone

The narrative voice in Kaua'i Kids in Peace and War is both tender and vivid, transporting readers to the humid, lush environment of Kaua'i through the eyes of a young boy. Fernandez writes with a warmth and nostalgia that illuminates the joys and challenges of each phase of his childhood. His style is descriptive yet straightforward, allowing the local culture and historical context to shine through authentically. The tone shifts naturally from playful and carefree in the early chapters to more somber and reflective as the story progresses, effectively capturing the impact of external events on a young person's life.

Criticism

While Kaua'i Kids in Peace and War vividly captures the essence of a childhood disrupted by war, some readers may find the shift between the joyful and grim parts of the book quite stark. The transitioning between the light-hearted tales of childhood and the more sobering war-time realities might feel abrupt to some, leading to a sense of disjointedness in the reading experience. Nonetheless, this transition reflects the genuine upheavals caused by global events on individual lives.

Awards and Recognition

As of now, there are no known major awards associated with Kaua'i Kids in Peace and War. However, the book serves as a valuable cultural and historical document that contributes to a deeper understanding of Hawaiian life during a significant period of change.