A Hawaiian tale of giving
| • | 'My Elder Brother's Keeper' |
Advertiser Staff
Today, we offer a Christmas gift for grownups: the winner of the adult division of our Holiday Fiction Contest.
The story, about a misunderstanding between brothers, is "My Elder Brother's Keeper."
Our judges were novelist and University of Hawai'i professor Steve Goldsberry, and short story writer Cedric Yamanaka, who is at work on his first full-length novel. The two concurred in giving this story their highest mark in this category.
"This story has a big heart and captures the true meaning of the holidays. One of the strongest entries," wrote Yamanaka in his judge's commentary.
"Imbued with the spirit of giving," Goldsberry wrote. "A tale of familial obligation and respect set in old Hawai'i."
The winning writer is Thomas C. Cummings Jr. of La'ie, an education specialist at Bishop Museum, who will receive an award of $100. Cummings was born on Maui and attended Lahainaluna High School. He and his wife, Therese, have two grown children and seven grandchildren.
As an education specialist, it is both his profession and his hobby to write and tell stories about the Pacific. His daughter also is a storyteller, and they do storytelling workshops together.
Of his award, Cummings said, "This is truly a Christmas gift." And so it is.
The winning story in the children's division was published yesterday.
