The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson - 4 stars

[Joy D]

The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson - 4* - My Review

The Wayfinder is an epic saga set around a thousand years ago in Polynesia. Kōrero is a young woman from a tiny sparsely populated island. The island residents are refugees from slavery on the brink of starvation. Two sons of the King of Tonga arrive on their shores, including one who can read the stars and navigate the local waters. By accepting their help, the islanders unwittingly become part of the empire’s political turmoil and violence. Kōrero’s destiny converges with the “second son” of the Tongan Empire. She must undertake a journey to save her people. Both characters can be considered “wayfinders.”

I will not try to summarize the plot since it is complex and covers a wide swath of Oceania, especially Tonga, Fisi (Fiji), and Aotearoa (New Zealand). It contains a vast cast of characters and is told in two timelines. The world building has depth and is filled with vivid cultural details. The novel includes Polynesian oral storytelling traditions and elements of magical realism. As with any novel of this size (over 700 pages), the pacing ebbs and flows, and probably could have been shorter. It is beautifully written and sure to be nominated for literary prizes.

PBT Comment: Be prepared for episodes of brutal violence (and I do mean BRUTAL). I can easily see this being adapted to film or miniseries.

[Booknblues]

I've been on the fence about this one. I loved Johnson's The Orphan Master's Son and have been waiting for something new from him, but as you say it is long and doesn't necessarily sing to me.

Your review has moved me closer to picking it up.

[Joy D]

Booknblues wrote: "I've been on the fence about this one. I loved Johnson's The Orphan Master's Son and have been waiting for something new from him, but as you say it is long and doesn't necessarily ..."

It's really a special book. I can easily see it being adapted to a film or miniseries. The only reason it's not 5 stars is that it's over 700 pages and I think would have been even better if it had been trimmed down a bit.