"The Betrayal of Liliuokalani" by Helena G. Allen is an incredibly engaging and thorough historical account that sheds light on the tragic overthrow of Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani and the events that led up to it. With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Allen unravels the complex web of power struggles and alliances that shaped this heartbreaking chapter in Hawaiian history.
Allen begins by setting the stage and providing a comprehensive background on the political climate in Hawaii during the late 19th century. She explores the competing interests of the native Hawaiians, American businessmen, and the United States government, highlighting the tensions and rivalries that ultimately resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy.
What sets Allen's work apart is her ability to humanize the key figures involved in this betrayal. By delving into their motivations and personal histories, she brings to life the intricate web of relationships and betrayals that influenced the events surrounding Liliuokalani's dethronement. Her attention to detail and vivid descriptions make the characters and their actions leap off the page, gripping readers from start to finish.
Available on Audible
Furthermore, Allen places the events of Liliuokalani's overthrow in the larger context of imperialism and the United States' expansionist policies at the time. She skillfully connects the dots between the downfall of the Hawaiian monarchy and America's quest for power and control in the Pacific, highlighting the devastating consequences for the Hawaiian people.
"The Betrayal of Liliuokalani" is not only a well-researched and informative book; it is also a thought-provoking examination of the lasting impact of colonization on Hawaii. Allen's ability to capture the essence of this pivotal historical moment, coupled with her engaging narrative style, makes this book an important contribution to our understanding of Hawaiian history and its ongoing ramifications.
What are readers saying?
The book "The Betrayal of Liliuokalani" by Helena G. Allen has generated a range of responses from readers. Some commended the author for her thorough historical research, while others felt that the book lacked depth and exhibited bias.
Many readers expressed admiration for Helena G. Allen's extensive research, finding her account of the events surrounding Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow and Hawaii's annexation by the United States to be thorough and comprehensive. They appreciated the wealth of historical information contained in the book, which opened their eyes to a lesser-known aspect of history.
However, some readers felt that the book lacked depth and failed to adequately capture the complexity of the historical events it discussed. Critics noted a lack of analysis and nuance in the narrative, suggesting that the author may have been influenced by bias in her portrayal of key individuals and events.
Furthermore, some readers found fault with Helena G. Allen's writing style, describing it as dry and overly academic. They believed that the book could have been more engaging and accessible to a wider audience, suggesting that a livelier writing style would have been more effective.
Despite the varying viewpoints, many readers acknowledged the significance of "The Betrayal of Liliuokalani" as a valuable resource for understanding Hawaii's history and its relationship with the United States. They recognized that the book contributes to a broader understanding of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in exploring the subject and gaining a more comprehensive perspective.
LiliuokalaniBetrayed HawaiiHistory RoyalInjustice