Sharks In The Time Of Saviors

At the beginning of the chapter, Malia, mother of the protagonist, recounts the day she conceived Nainoa and explains why she believes he is special. She recalls having sex with her husband on a remote beach when they saw the Night Marchers, legendary ghosts of ancient Hawaiian warriors. Malia also describes how animals, including chickens, goats, and horses, react around Nainoa, becoming “suddenly subdued” and nuzzling him (7). Malia mentions other signs of Nainoa’s mystical gifts, including his nightmares, which foreshadow the demise of the sugarcane plantation that provides the family’s income. When the plantation shuts down, putting Nainoa’s father out of work, the family falls on hard times.

A miracle changes the family’s lives when Nainoa falls overboard during a boat trip and sharks rescue him instead of attacking. Malia recalls the moment: “But the shark was holding you gently, do you understand? It was holding you like you were made of glass, like you were its child. They brought you straight at me” (18).

In media interviews, Nainoa’s parents recount the shark miracle and describe the family’s impoverished state. The publicity results in donations, easing the family’s move to O‘ahu.