Ratings2
Average rating2.5
From inside cover: Her book ... is essentially a plea for the preservation of her kindgom. It is also a portrayal of the life and customs of 19th-century Hawaii -- and, incidentally, of the United States and Europe -- seen through the eyes of the shrewd and observant eyes of an internationally famous person who was basically a sympathetic and understanding woman ... it is a compelling account of the last years of a monarchy ... Told with pride in, and love for, her royal predecessors as well as her people, the facts of the queen's story do not differ from those of other writers ... but her presentation, naturally enough, is colored by her deep affection and loyalty.
Reviews with the most likes.
I read this in tandem with [b:Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings and America's First Imperial Adventure 11574167 Lost Kingdom Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings and America's First Imperial Adventure Julia Flynn Siler https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328824062s/11574167.jpg 16515137], which provides some of the missing context. While it's historically important, it's kind of a chore to actually read, and I didn't find Lili'u as sympathetic as I'd expected to.