Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn has garnered praise for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of Hawaiian culture and mythology. Readers appreciate its rich, multi-generational narrative and well-developed characters. However, some find the plot meanders and the magical realism elements inconsistent. Overall, it's a compelling debut.

Readers who would enjoy Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn appreciate poignant family sagas with mystical elements. This novel is ideal for fans of Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things and Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude, as it blends magical realism with deep emotional resonance.

In Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn, the Flores family from Hawaii places their hope in their youngest son, Nainoa, who possesses imperfect healing powers, leading to family dynamics marked by high expectations, sibling rivalry, and cultural conflicts as each member pursues their path amid Nainoa's struggles with his burden. The book includes themes of depression and substance use.

Mysterious / Emotional / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Fantastical

- Sharks In The Time Of Saviors is Kawai Strong Washburn's debut novel that beautifully blends elements of Hawaiian mythology with contemporary family life.
- The book was longlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize, marking it as a distinguished work in the literary world shortly after its release.
- Kawai Strong Washburn's novel is praised for its vivid portrayal of Hawaii, capturing both its natural beauty and the socio-economic challenges faced by its communities.

**Nainoa Flores**  
The youngest son of Malia and Augie Flores, Nainoa possesses special healing powers and is known for his sensitivity and talent with the ukulele.

**Malia Flores**  
A spiritually inclined mother who deeply respects Hawaiian legends and believes in the significance of her son Nainoa's gifts.

**Augie Flores**  
A former college football player and joke-telling father, who struggles with providing for his family and later becomes a more introspective figure.

**Kaui Flores**  
The practical and ambitious daughter who pursues an engineering degree in San Diego and has a talent for climbing and dancing.

**Dean Flores**  
The athletic older brother with a focus on a basketball career, who demonstrates deep loyalty and unselfishness despite his tough exterior and temper.

Kawai Strong Washburn

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Before You Read

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Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Deliverance”

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Ascension”

Part 2, Chapters 6-9

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 2, Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-13

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 2, Chapters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 14-17

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 2, Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Destruction”

Part 3, Chapters 18-21

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 3, Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 22-25

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 3, Chapters 22-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 26-27

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 3, Chapters 26-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Revival”

Part 4, Chapters 28-31

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 4, Chapters 28-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 32-35

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 4, Chapters 32-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 36-39

Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Part 4, Chapters 36-39 Summary & Analysis

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Sharks In The Time Of Saviors Character Analysis

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Sharks In The Time Of Saviors

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