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I found this book very interesting and enjoyable despite its sad end. This book was my door-opener to the history of Hawaii. I found the history of this monarchy is fascinating. The book is about the life of Hawaii's last princess, Victoria Kaiulani.

When she was 13, her world is shattered when she is forced to go to school in England. She becomes more accepting towards her fate as time goes by, yet she still misses her beloved Hawaii. The story starts in the year 1889 and continues till 1893 in the form of diary entries. Her story is sad and touching, the losses of her loved ones and her country seem to have driven her in to a forlorn existence by the end of the book and it is sad her dreams for her country did not come true.

I found, Kaiulani heart-warming friendship with author Robert Louis Stevenson, fascinating. They share a great deal of wisdom and insight in their literary discussions. Kaiulani struggles bravely with her intense homesickness, having been sent halfway around the world, into a new culture and a new climate, and strives to excel in her studies in spite of the turmoil that dwells within her. The books carries a fascinating view of Hawaiian culture, the language, and the people, as Kaiulani learns the ways of her people and their beliefs and dreams.

This poem written by Robert Louis Stevenson to her, still lingers in my head�
Her Island here in the southern sun
Shall mourn their Kaiulani gone,
And I, in her dear banynan’s shade,
Look vainly for my little maid.