Lillianhowan - Lillian Howan

Island of Mo’orea

photo: Vaea Sioux

Clouds, Tahiti and Moorea

Hagia Sophia et son chat - Hagia Sophia`s cat (by beluga 7)

Lillian, you spent seven years writing The Charm Buyers. What were your inspirations for writing this story?

My inspirations were the land and the people. Tahiti is incredibly beautiful, but there’s also such sadness in its history. I hoped to bring its recent history to life, particularly nuclear testing - but I didn’t want to write a polemic novel. I hope that The Charm Buyers brings the complexity, radiance, darkness, and hopefulness of its individuals to life.

photo: Bruno Leou-on

29 Must-Read Local Books You Won’t Want to Put Down This Holiday Season

Epics, eras and albatrosses—we’ve got your book-lover gift bases covered.

Thank you Honolulu Magazine for naming The Charm Buyers one of 29 Must-Read Local Books You Won’t Want to Put Down This Holiday Season!