The Oldtimers

by Wing Tek Lum

Wing Tek Lum's third collection of poetry, The Oldtimers, imagines life in Honolulu Chinatown circa 1900. Lum gives voice to the forgotten pioneer generation of sojourners and settlers, detailing the trials and temptations of this bachelor society living far from their homeland--their hard work, their diversions, their challenges, and, even amidst the notorious plague and fire, their perseverance. Wing Tek Lum's poetry, renowned for its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and historical consciousness, revives archival voices with insight and empathy. Verses in The Oldtimers reflect on themes of displacement, labor, isolation, familial bonds and obligations, cultural heritage and adaptation, and the preservation of traditions and values amidst the islands' rapid growth.

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool concept - poetry about Hawaii's Chinese immigrant community - not all of it struck a chord with me tho. i think I'm not always the biggest fan of this kind of writing style, that is rather plainly-put