Princess Victoria Ka'iulani

Book excerpt: This new biography of Princess Victoria Ka'iulani goes far beyond most accounts of her life, which tend to dwell on nostalgic recollections of what could have been rather than the reality of her life. Many of the most cherished depictions of Ka'iulani originate from other people's reflections, rather than the actions and words of the princess herself. By using historical documents, including archival manuscripts, Hawaiian and English-language newspapers, government records, firsthand testimonies, poetry, and mele, a factual and thoroughly supported narrative of Ka'iulani's life during tumultuous times emerges, surpassing fairy tale-like portrayals.