What starts out as being drawn to spending more time on an enchanting Pacific island soon becomes an intense personal journey for forty-something Ros. That’s because Maui’s energetic and cultural mystique surprises her, quickly catalyzing her growth in unexpected directions. So, whereas this story does take place on Maui, it travels both to other places and inside a variety of complex social issues. True, on all levels from physical through spiritual, Ros is seeking “paradise” in the form of comfort and harmony. And she does start out projecting all manner of possibility unto the island. But instead of More Nights on Maui being a light read about excursions to an idyllic isle, it is an intimate, first-person narrative about one woman’s quest for external fit concurrent with her internal search for answers. One major thread of this actual-events-based novel is the experience of being a multi-racial person across three cultures – Jamaican, Canadian, American. The generational effects on family of colonial legacy, local violence, and cultural displacement are spotlighted. As a result, although generously doused with humour, light, and hope, this unflinching story does not shy away from harshness inherent in the human condition. As Ros traverses her inner landscape, she also continually grapples with place, reflecting as she goes on dynamic social territory. With the objectivity afforded someone of indistinct allegiance, Ros delivers an uncensored view of her world – authentic and true to character – from seats either within or outside communities. There are entirely subjective impressions – evenly serious and satirical – of habits, customs, trends; there are sacrilegious inside jokes. It is, after all, such perceptions and evaluations about her environment that inform her decision making and power much of her physical movement. In this aspect also, not only does the writing give permission for discernment as a tool of understanding human experience and response, but the setting also becomes as colourful as the multi-faceted weaving that it this fascinating story. A note for readers sensitive to certain topics: the narrative includes allusions to and/or depictions of local violence, childhood abuse, racism, addiction, and recovery. It explores family dynamics, death, confronting emotion, and healing grief. A note for those inquiring in these areas: expect unconventional psychic, philosophical, and spiritual examination.