54 pages • 1 hour read
Alan BrennertMoloka'i
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Part 1, Chapters 1-4Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Part 1: “Blue Vault of Heaven”
Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary: “1891”
Content Warning: This section of the guide depicts suicide, gender-based violence, sexual assault, racist and bigoted language, and outdated descriptions of patients with Hansen’s disease.
In present day, Rachel recalls Honolulu and her vivid memories of “Steamer Day,” the day when her father arrived from his trips to other countries. Remembering the buildings, from an Italianate palace to church steeples, Rachel recounts the variety of architectural styles that characterize Honolulu close to the turn of the century. Returning to 1891, Rachel narrates and describes the days before her father’s return. Noting that his letter arrived five weeks before, Rachel knows her father will arrive soon. Rachel’s sister, Sarah, and brothers, Ben and Kimo, are introduced, and Rachel records her mother Dorothy’s commands as the children dress for church, and Dorothy and Rachel take taro and make poi. Later, during Sunday school, Rachel questions Mr. MacReedy, their teacher, about which sea Jesus crossed on foot—exasperated, he first avoids and then answers the question.
As Steamer Day arrives, Dorothy and Rachel head to Honolulu Harbor and meet Henry, Rachel’s father and Dorothy’s husband. After eight months at sea, Henry and Dorothy host a party that night, Dorothy’s brother Will brings fish, and Henry’s brother 
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