Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4.0 out of 5 stars
A rich blend of ancient and modern devices, 3 Jul 1999
By A Customer
Here is a story about Hawaii that attempts to capture the ancient oral tradition of 'oli chants within the confines of Euro-linguistics. The vast differences between Hawaiian and English are issues which Merwin confronted by creating a narrative poem; he drew from Western literature's own past--Homeric poems--for inspiration and guidance. Yet, he adds his modern touch (the missing punctuation marks). I found this a fascinating approach, and I appreciated his effort. The story of Pi'ilani and Ko'olau expresses the love and gentleness of the people, the communal values present in the Hawaiian culture, and the complicated social and political relationships responsible for the Hansen's disease mess. Merwin honored the truth without compromising his creativity. There are a few sections early in the novel, and a few near the end that seem redundant and tedious. I struggled through these parts, though early on I was rewarded with a beautifully wrought account of the creation of the islands and its people; it echoed the Kumulipo or ancient Hawaiian creation myth. Still, the slow parts detracted from the novel's readability; thus, I give it four stars.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
A rich blend of ancient and modern devices, 3 Jul 1999
By A Customer
Here is a story about Hawaii that attempts to capture the ancient oral tradition of 'oli chants within the confines of Euro-linguistics. The vast differences between Hawaiian and English are issues which Merwin confronted by creating a narrative poem; he drew from Western literature's own past--Homeric poems--for inspiration and guidance. Yet, he adds his modern touch (the missing punctuation marks). I found this a fascinating approach, and I appreciated his effort. The story of Pi'ilani and Ko'olau expresses the love and gentleness of the people, the communal values present in the Hawaiian culture, and the complicated social and political relationships responsible for the Hansen's disease mess. Merwin honored the truth without compromising his creativity. There are a few sections early in the novel, and a few near the end that seem redundant and tedious. I struggled through these parts, though early on I was rewarded with a beautifully wrought account of the creation of the islands and its people; it echoed the Kumulipo or ancient Hawaiian creation myth. Still, the slow parts detracted from the novel's readability; thus, I give it three stars.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A magnificent epic, 6 Nov 1998
By A Customer
I had to read this book from the first time I sat with it and read the first page or two in a North Andover Mass bookshop. Well, I'm back in Philadelphia, and I have read it. Liked it so much I have started Merwin's book of short novellas on France:"The Lost Upland", a totally different book, but carrying Merwin's same great ability to paint beautifully fine pictures of place - and, in the case of "The Lost Upland" of people too. "The Folding Cliffs" is magnificent. A one of a kind, as far as I am concerned. Merwin's sense of place and mood is outstanding - I did not, however, get as deep a sense for his people - although the characters were clearly present - and I sympathised with / despised them in their respective roles. This book is a magnificent epic. Definitely to be read aloud. Such a bold undertaking in format, form and substance. This book will occupy a reserved spot on my bookshelf and in my memory for years. Pick it up and read the first few pages - you'll have to finish it.
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