“Wayfinder” is the latest novel by Pulitzer Prize winner Adam Johnson. This rich work blends literary historical fiction, focusing on Tongan people during the height of the Tu’i Tonga Empire. Johnson emotional narratives explore human behavior under extreme conditions. In this case, we are transported to the South Pacific to witness the struggles of various Polynesian communities, particularly Kōrero, whose small island is facing starvation.

The novel features multiple interconnected stories that reflect the oral storytelling traditions of indigenous communities. Johnson employs shifting perspectives and layered storytelling structures. However, this approach makes the book heavy and challenging to follow, as it does not follow a straightforward linear progression. Instead, there is a large cast of characters and narratives to keep track of, along with Tongan vocabulary. While the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) includes a limited cast of characters, I personally would have benefitted from footnotes or a short glossary, along with a map and timeline.

I appreciated the comprehensive perspective but would have preferred a more linear story focused on a single point of view. I personally found it very difficult to follow the various threads. While I valued the exploration of power dynamics, I would advise readers to check content warnings ahead of reading, as there are instances of sexual assault, although they are not graphic in detail. I liked many aspects of the book but wanted a more concise focus on a particular viewpoint and story arc.

Fans of epic tales by authors like Abraham Verghese or those interested in oral storytelling and speculative fiction, such as Simon Jimenez, might find this book appealing. Thank you to Farrar, Straus, Giroux, and NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5 stars for me mainly because of how much I struggled to follow and stay invested in the many characters and their stories despite being well researched and well written.