On the Makaloa Mat By: Jack London (1876-1916)
On the Makaloa Mat by Jack London is an enthralling collection of short stories that transport readers to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. The book immerses its audience in the vibrant Hawaiian culture and captures the essence of the archipelago's people, landscapes, and way of life. One of the standout features of this collection is the remarkable storytelling ability demonstrated by London. Each story unfolds with an undeniable sense of adventure and anticipation. The author masterfully weaves together different narratives that range from tales of love and tragedy to accounts of survival and resilience. The characters are complex and well-developed, breathing life into the pages and engaging readers from start to finish. One of the notable strengths of On the Makaloa Mat lies in its vivid descriptions of the Hawaiian environment. London's attention to detail allows readers to envision the lush scenery, the crystal-clear waters, and the mesmerizing sunsets. Through his words, he transports readers to the islands, making them feel like they are basking in the gentle tradewinds and embracing the vibrant culture firsthand. Another notable aspect of this collection is the exploration of the human condition. London delves deeply into the emotions and experiences of his characters, showcasing their struggles and triumphs. He examines themes such as love, loss, sacrifice, and the inherent connection between humans and nature. The narratives are thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and the universal truths that bind us all. While the stories in On the Makaloa Mat possess undeniable beauty, they also offer a realistic portrayal of Hawaiian society during the early 20th century. London grapples with the complexities of colonization, discrimination, and cultural clashes, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the native people. Such social commentary adds depth and substance to the collection, emphasizing the author's ability to intertwine entertaining narratives with important messages. In terms of style, Jack London's prose is eloquent, yet accessible. His writing flows effortlessly, guiding readers through the stories with ease. The language is evocative, immersing readers in the emotions and scenery. London's ability to capture the essence of the Hawaiian spirit is commendable, as he paints a rich and authentic picture of the islands and the people who inhabit them. Overall, On the Makaloa Mat is a captivating collection of stories that showcases Jack London's talent as a storyteller. With its engaging narratives, vibrant descriptions, and thought-provoking themes, the book serves as an invitation to explore the beauty and complexities of the Hawaiian islands. It is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and culturally significant literary experience. First Page: ON THE MAKALOA MAT/ISLAND TALES by Jack London Contents: On the Makaloa Mat The Bones of Kahekili When Alice Told her Soul Shin Bones The Water Baby The Tears of Ah Kim The Kanaka Surf ON THE MAKALOA MAT Unlike the women of most warm races, those of Hawaii age well and nobly. With no pretence of make up or cunning concealment of time's inroads, the woman who sat under the hau tree might have been permitted as much as fifty years by a judge competent anywhere over the world save in Hawaii. Yet her children and her grandchildren, and Roscoe Scandwell who had been her husband for forty years, knew that she was sixty four and would be sixty five come the next twenty second day of June. But she did not look it, despite the fact that she thrust reading glasses on her nose as she read her magazine and took them off when her gaze desired to wander in the direction of the half dozen children playing on the lawn. It was a noble situation noble as the ancient hau tree, the size of a house, where she sat as if in a house, so spaciously and comfortably house like was its shade furnished; noble as the lawn that stretched away landward its plush of green at an appraisement of two hundred dollars a front foot to a bungalow equally dignified, noble, and costly. Seaward, glimpsed through a fringe of hundred foot coconut palms, was the ocean; beyond the reef a dark blue that grew indigo blue to the horizon, within the reef all the silken gamut of jade and emerald and tourmaline... Continue reading book >>

On the Makaloa Mat By: Jack London (1876-1916)

On the Makaloa Mat by Jack London is an enthralling collection of short stories that transport readers to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. The book immerses its audience in the vibrant Hawaiian culture and captures the essence of the archipelago's people, landscapes, and way of life.

One of the standout features of this collection is the remarkable storytelling ability demonstrated by London. Each story unfolds with an undeniable sense of adventure and anticipation. The author masterfully weaves together different narratives that range from tales of love and tragedy to accounts of survival and resilience. The characters are complex and well-developed, breathing life into the pages and engaging readers from start to finish.

One of the notable strengths of On the Makaloa Mat lies in its vivid descriptions of the Hawaiian environment. London's attention to detail allows readers to envision the lush scenery, the crystal-clear waters, and the mesmerizing sunsets. Through his words, he transports readers to the islands, making them feel like they are basking in the gentle tradewinds and embracing the vibrant culture firsthand.

Another notable aspect of this collection is the exploration of the human condition. London delves deeply into the emotions and experiences of his characters, showcasing their struggles and triumphs. He examines themes such as love, loss, sacrifice, and the inherent connection between humans and nature. The narratives are thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and the universal truths that bind us all.

While the stories in On the Makaloa Mat possess undeniable beauty, they also offer a realistic portrayal of Hawaiian society during the early 20th century. London grapples with the complexities of colonization, discrimination, and cultural clashes, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by the native people. Such social commentary adds depth and substance to the collection, emphasizing the author's ability to intertwine entertaining narratives with important messages.

In terms of style, Jack London's prose is eloquent, yet accessible. His writing flows effortlessly, guiding readers through the stories with ease. The language is evocative, immersing readers in the emotions and scenery. London's ability to capture the essence of the Hawaiian spirit is commendable, as he paints a rich and authentic picture of the islands and the people who inhabit them.

Overall, On the Makaloa Mat is a captivating collection of stories that showcases Jack London's talent as a storyteller. With its engaging narratives, vibrant descriptions, and thought-provoking themes, the book serves as an invitation to explore the beauty and complexities of the Hawaiian islands. It is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and culturally significant literary experience.

First Page:

ON THE MAKALOA MAT/ISLAND TALES

by Jack London

Contents:

On the Makaloa Mat The Bones of Kahekili When Alice Told her Soul Shin Bones The Water Baby The Tears of Ah Kim The Kanaka Surf

ON THE MAKALOA MAT

Unlike the women of most warm races, those of Hawaii age well and nobly. With no pretence of make up or cunning concealment of time's inroads, the woman who sat under the hau tree might have been permitted as much as fifty years by a judge competent anywhere over the world save in Hawaii. Yet her children and her grandchildren, and Roscoe Scandwell who had been her husband for forty years, knew that she was sixty four and would be sixty five come the next twenty second day of June. But she did not look it, despite the fact that she thrust reading glasses on her nose as she read her magazine and took them off when her gaze desired to wander in the direction of the half dozen children playing on the lawn.

It was a noble situation noble as the ancient hau tree, the size of a house, where she sat as if in a house, so spaciously and comfortably house like was its shade furnished; noble as the lawn that stretched away landward its plush of green at an appraisement of two hundred dollars a front foot to a bungalow equally dignified, noble, and costly. Seaward, glimpsed through a fringe of hundred foot coconut palms, was the ocean; beyond the reef a dark blue that grew indigo blue to the horizon, within the reef all the silken gamut of jade and emerald and tourmaline... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Jack London
Wikipedia – On the Makaloa Mat

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