Aloha Spirit: A Novel

The spirit of aloha is found in Hawaii's natural beauty, fresh ocean air, flowers, and trade winds. Dolores, unhappy in her adoptive family, runs away at sixteen to live with her newlywed friend Maria. She marries a young Portuguese man named Manolo, but his drinking leads to physical abuse. After the Pearl Harbor attack, Dolores flees with her two daughters to California, where Manolo's drinking problems continue and Alberto's begin. Dolores starts to doubt her feelings for Alberto, wondering if he is the embodiment of the aloha spirit she's been seeking.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: She Writes Press

The spirit of aloha is deeply ingrained in the essence of Hawaii, encompassing its refreshing ocean air, vibrant flowers, gentle trade winds, and breathtaking natural beauty. It serves as a soothing balm to alleviate the stresses and challenges of everyday life. In 1922, Honolulu, a city brimming with unhappiness, becomes the backdrop for Dolores' journey to find this elusive spirit. At the tender age of sixteen, driven by a longing for self-discovery, Dolores embarks on a courageous escapade, running away to live with her newlywed friend, Maria.

As Dolores navigates her path toward love, she encounters a young Portuguese man named Manolo. His large family welcomes her with open arms, offering a sense of belonging and comfort. However, Manolo's struggle with alcoholism soon manifests in physical abuse, leaving Dolores in a state of vulnerability. It is at this moment that the benevolent figure of Alberto enters her life, rescuing her from the tumultuous circumstances. Their connection ignites a passion within Dolores that she had never experienced before, filling her with a renewed sense of hope and possibility.

However, the confines of Catholicism impose a strict rule against divorce, leaving Dolores in a predicament. After the devastating Pearl Harbor attack, she finds herself compelled to flee with her two daughters to California, hoping to escape the tumultuous circumstances and find solace in a new beginning. Unbeknownst to her, Manolo and Alberto, driven by their own demons, follow in her footsteps, determined to be by her side.

In California, the challenges of Manolo's drinking persist, further testing Dolores' patience and resilience. The sight of another man resorting to alcohol to cope with his problems ignites a deep-seated anger within her. She begins to question her feelings for Alberto, wondering if he will follow in the footsteps of Manolo and disappoint her once again. The weight of these doubts hangs heavy in her heart.

As Dolores grapples with her uncertainties, she seeks solace in the teachings of the aloha spirit. She begins to understand that aloha is not merely a physical presence but a profound essence that encompasses love, compassion, and unity. It is a guiding force that can inspire individuals to rise above their struggles, embrace positivity, and find solace in the beauty of the world around them.

Through her journey, Dolores realizes that Alberto embodies the very essence of aloha. His unwavering support, kindness, and genuine care for her bring a sense of peace and contentment to her life. He embodies the qualities of love, compassion, and understanding, which are the pillars of the aloha spirit.

In the end, Dolores finds herself in a state of inner harmony, where she has embraced the aloha spirit and found true love. She has learned to let go of the past and embrace the present, cherishing the moments of connection and joy that life has to offer. Hawaii, with its breathtaking natural beauty and the warmth of its people, becomes a symbol of her newfound happiness and fulfillment.

In conclusion, the spirit of aloha is a profound and enduring force that permeates the essence of Hawaii. It finds expression in the fresh ocean air, vibrant flowers, gentle trade winds, and breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds us. Dolores' journey serves as a testament to the power of the aloha spirit, as it guides her toward self-discovery, love, and inner harmony. Through her experiences, Dolores learns that aloha is not just a physical presence but a profound essence that can inspire individuals to rise above their struggles, embrace positivity, and find solace in the beauty of the world around them. Hawaii, with its breathtaking natural beauty and the warmth of its people, becomes a symbol of her newfound happiness and fulfillment.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 216 x 143 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781631527234