[Previous entry: "e-Book review: Taming the Mountain Mist"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "e-Book Review: Red Skin"]

05/26/2008 Archived Entry: "e-Book Review: Mahape a ale wala'au"

Mahape a ale wala'au
Written by Paul G. Bens
Published by Torquere Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-60370-279-9
ISBN-10: 1-60370-279-2

Review by Linda Yau

Visiting the island of Waikiki, Hawaii is a memorable location, balmy and breezy – the culture is something to experience. This is where Toshi, a Japanese businessman takes his winter vacation at; away from the busy office. Toshi clearly identifies himself as homosexual with Japanese people having fetishes. A chance encounter with Kristopher, a street performer had him starting an exhibitionist game that would lead to one night of passion.

This was quite the short read, with a clear beginning and an uncertain end. What I mean by that, is the beginning starts with Toshi remembering his vacation as a flashback, but by the ending, no signs of returning to the beginning. Some readers might not mind it, but others may wonder if this story had a point, other than retelling of a man's one night stand.

There were some snippets that I enjoyed reading, such as when the author described of the various aspects of Japanese men and of the various street performers at Hawaii.

One aspect I didn't really enjoy of this book was the uncertainty in the title, Mahape a ale wla'au. Clearly it is an expression, but what does this expression mean is a mystery. I tried to google it without much luck, so I can only surmise it meaning, "Our night of passion is ending, so sweet memories of this time remember me fondly…"

This story seems to be good for reading on the run, and exhibits the experience of a man stepping out of his normal niche to enjoy life.

Also available directly from Torquere Press. Click here to read an excerpt.

Replies: 1 Comment

Hi Linda:

Just a note to say thank you so much for the review of my story. I am most appreciative and I thank you so much for taking the time to read it and to let others know your thoughts.

I also wanted to let you know that the title is a phrase used by Hawaiian Olympic Champion and Father of Modern Surfing Duke Kahanamoku (although most sites mis-spell "wala'au" as "wala'ua") which means "Don't speak. Keep it in your heart."

Thank you very, very much again, for the kind words. I very much appreciate it.

-Paul Bens

Posted by Paul Bens @ 05/27/2008 10:40 PM PST

The Wapshott Press

J LHLS is hosted on and highly recommends One of the best deals anywhere. (PromoCode HKB669)

Ontology on the go!

Contact us

"Ontology on the Go!"
J LHLS mugs

Review materials may be sent to

J LHLS PO Box 31513 Los Angeles, CA 90031-0513

Thanks!

Notice: Comments are back! Yay! Note: Boo. Due to comment spam, comments are closed on certain entries. You can Contact us with your comment and we'll add it.