Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen is at once memoir, political testimony, and a sovereign's appeal to history. Written in a lucid, dignified prose, the book recounts the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, the Queen's imprisonment, and the pressures of American annexation. Its literary force lies in its fusion of personal recollection with documentary argument, placing it within traditions of anti-imperial witness, indigenous historiography, and nineteenth-century political autobiography. Lili uokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawai i, wrote from the intimate authority of one who had inherited both the burdens of rule and the responsibility of cultural preservation. Educated, musically gifted, and politically astute, she had witnessed the increasing influence of foreign business interests and missionary descendants in Hawaiian governance. Her narrative emerges from dispossession, but also from a lifelong commitment to her people's sovereignty, language, and moral dignity. This book is essential for readers seeking to understand Hawai i beyond romanticized images or colonial accounts. It offers a rare first-person account of empire as experienced by its victims, composed with restraint, intelligence, and unmistakable grief. Students of history, literature, indigenous studies, and political thought will find it indispensable.

Autorentext

Lili uokalani (1838 -1917) was the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Her rule lasted from 1891 until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. She ascended to the throne after her brother's death and wanted to give her people a new constitution, which was not welcomed by pro-American forces. As a result, they overthrew the monarchy on January 17, 1893. Although she was supported by her friend President Cleveland, who blocked the annexation of Hawaii, she lost support with the election of President McKinley. She created numerous memoir pieces in her later life, among which two most known works are "Aloha Oe" and"Hawai i's Story by Hawai i's Queen."

Klappentext

In "Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen," Lili uokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, offers a poignant and personal narrative that intertwines her royal lineage with the tumultuous history of her people. Written in a reflective and accessible prose style, this memoir provides a rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture, the impacts of colonialism, and the struggle for sovereignty, capturing the essence of a society on the brink of transformation. The book serves not only as an autobiography but also as a historical document, revealing the complexities of Hawaiian identity amidst the forces that sought to overshadow it. Lili uokalani ascended to the throne amid a backdrop of political upheaval and foreign intervention, with her reign marked by a deep commitment to her nation's independence. Her experiences as a monarch and her eventual overthrow in 1893 by American interests are critical in understanding her motivations for writing this memoir. Lili uokalani's eloquence and heartfelt advocacy for her people reflect a profound sense of duty, as she sought to illuminate the narrative often silenced by Western accounts. This book is a vital read for anyone interested in Hawaiian history, post-colonial studies, or the complexities of indigenous rights. Lili uokalani's unique voice offers not only a historical perspective but also a poignant call for recognition, making it a powerful testament to resilience and cultural heritage.