When an unidentified plane crashes on the remote Hawaiian island of Niihau, the islanders have no idea that it is a Japanese Zero, and that the pilot, who survives the landing, has just bombed Pearl Harbor. Niihau has no phones, electricity, or modern conveniences -- an idyllic isolation made deliberate by the island's strict God-fearing owner, Aylmer Robinson. Uncertain of what to do with this unexpected visitor who does not speak their language, the islanders, led by quiet Howard Kaleohano, choose to wait for Mr. Robinson to arrive for his monthly visit. But when he does not appear, the Niihauans must take the bold, unusual step of deciding themselves how to proceed.

In the tradition of Snow Falling on Cedars comes this provocative and compelling debut novel of innocence, identity, loyalty, and betrayal set on a small isolated Hawaiian island in December 1941 -- based on true events.