Lost Twain: A Novel of Hawai'i

by Kate H. Winter

In 1866, Samuel L. Clemens was "lost" in Hawai'i. On assignment to the Sandwich Islands, the journalist who would become Mark Twain suddenly stopped writing and disappeared. What was he doing on Maui during those six weeks? Emily Witt, English professor from Buffalo, NY, discovers a notebook Clemens may have left behind. Clemens's and the professor's voices pulse against the rhythm of Hawai'i then and now. In alternating narratives of Emily's journey and Clemens's missing weeks, "Lost Twain" explores the lure of 'going native' and 'the view from the shore,' how Hawaiians embrace outsiders - or don't.

216 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2011

Reviews

[Christa Errigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's provocative characters and lush description make this a truly unique read. Combining elements of fiction and history, Winter's Samuel Clemons is more humanized and endearing as a separate but necessary component to the physical and spiritual journey of our protagonist.