Publishers Weekly
Hearing Layne read Mark Twain's newspaper dispatches from Hawaii gives one the invigorating sense of visiting an exotic locale as well as a different era. Those who treat themselves to these blustery, spirited letters will experience a journey in every sense of the word. Before writing his first novel, the penniless journalist got a four-month-long gig writing about his travels in the "the loveliest fleet of islands that lie anchor in any ocean." Layne reads the letters as Twain might have, not backing down during parts that may sound questionable to modern ears (e.g., Twain's repeated congratulations to the missionaries for quashing native customs). In this thoughtfully abridged collection, one letter may rhapsodize about scenery while the next delves into death rituals for a native princess; the result is a listening experience that feels balanced, not overdone. Though few people other than lovers of Hawaii will likely tune in to these letters, those who do will never see their favorite vacation spot (or home) in quite the same way again. They will also receive a reminder of why Twain's legacy has endured. Based on the Univ. of Hawaii Press paperback. (Dec.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Saturday Review
Twain’s powers of observation and description are unsurpassed and we get a vivid picture of the life and scenery of these lovely islands. Fascinating descriptions of old Hawaiian customs, a funeral in the Royal Family, a session of the Legislature, the contribution of the missionaries, and the character of the native Hawaiian leadership make this book difficult to put down.
Time
Provides a fresh, funny portrait of Mark Twain as a young man.
Times Literary Supplement
An amalgam of workaday journalism, whimsy, shrewd and poetic observation, accurate commercial prophecy, character assassination, and tongue-in-cheek tall tales.
Wall Street Journal
The unmistakable touch of his comic genius can be seen, that sly alternation of hyperbole an deadpan understatement in a blend that can only be Twain.
From the Publisher
Twain's powers of observation and description are unsurpassed and we get a vivid picture of the life and scenery of these lovely islands. Fascinating descriptions of old Hawaiian customs, a funeral in the Royal Family, a session of the Legislature, the contribution of the missionaries, and the character of the native Hawaiian leadership make this book difficult to put down.-- "Saturday Review"
An amalgam of workaday journalism, whimsy, shrewd and poetic observation, accurate commercial prophecy, character assassination, and tongue-in-cheek tall tales.-- "Times Literary Supplement"
Provides a fresh, funny portrait of Mark Twain as a young man.-- "Time"
The unmistakable touch of his comic genius can be seen, that sly alternation of hyperbole an deadpan understatement in a blend that can only be Twain.-- "Wall Street Journal"
Time
Provides a fresh, funny portrait of Mark Twain as a young man.
Wall Street Journal
The unmistakable touch of his comic genius can be seen, that sly alternation of hyperbole an deadpan understatement in a blend that can only be Twain.
APR/MAY 05 - AudioFile
The creator of successful one-man shows in which he impersonates the beloved Mark Twain delivers a fascinating reading of letters the journalist/author dispatched to the SACRAMENTO UNION in 1866 while visiting the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawaii). Twain’s superb writing about the history of that exotic paradise and his experiences there delivers a powerful audio experience. Listeners will feel they too are discovering the geography of the islands. One can almost smell the fragrant flowers and experience the balmy breezes. This would be a lovely gift, suitable for almost anyone on any occasion--but you’ll want a copy for your personal collection as well. L.C. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
