The Bones of Kahekili by Jack London

Name: The Bones of Kahekili
Author: Jack London

This novel is a historical fiction account set in ancient Hawaii during the reign of King Kahekili. It explores themes of power, politics, and cultural identity through the eyes of a young Hawaiian warrior who becomes embroiled in the king's struggles for dominance over the islands. The story delves into the complexities of traditional Hawaiian society, including its spiritual practices, social hierarchies, and conflicts with European colonizers.

By Jack London · First published 1919 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Cultural Fiction · 10,545 words

First lines

FROM over the lofty Koolau Mountains, vagrant wisps of the trade wind drifted, faintly swaying the great, unwhipped banana leaves, rustling the palms, and fluttering and setting up a whispering among the lace-leaved algaroba trees. Only intermittently did the atmosphere so breathe-for breathing it was, the suspiring of the languid, Hawaiian afternoon. In the intervals between the soft breathings, the air grew heavy and balmy with the perfume of flowers and the exhalations of fat, living soil.

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The Bones of Kahekili is listed on Textopian as a novella by Jack London, dated 1919 CE.

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Work type: Novella
Author: Jack London
Date: 1919 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Cultural Fiction, Drama, Mythology
Length: 10,545 words
Structure: 1 section, 150 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, involving real historical figures and events in Hawaii, such as the death of Kahekili and the cultural practices of the time.
Adventure — The story includes elements of exploration and survival, with characters navigating the challenges of life in Hawaii and the cultural dynamics of the period.
Cultural Fiction — The plot deeply explores Hawaiian culture, traditions, and the interactions between native Hawaiians and outsiders, highlighting the cultural tensions and exchanges.
Drama — The narrative is driven by interpersonal conflicts, emotional struggles, and the dramatic tension surrounding the death of a chief and the associated rituals.