I bought this book because I ran out of things to read while on vacation in Hawaii and I'm very glad I did. The historical information and setting were significantly enhanced by being there. I finished the novel when I got home and, although I really enjoyed it, I took off one star because the ending felt like a scenario was created just to have it resolved for an emotional, climactic conclusion. Sure, that's what most all literature does, but it doesn't necessarily always read like a fictitious ending. Overall, great novel and highly recommended.