"Curse of Lono" is a book written by Hunter S. Thompson, an American journalist and author known for his unconventional writing style and gonzo journalism. Published in 1983, it tells the story of Thompson's journey to Hawaii to cover the Honolulu Marathon for Sports Illustrated. The book combines elements of fiction and non-fiction, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Thompson presents himself as the protagonist, referred to as "Raoul Duke," the alter ego he often used in his works. As Duke navigates the various events and characters he encounters in Hawaii, Thompson explores themes of fear, madness, and the destructive nature of power.
As Duke navigates the various events and characters he encounters in Hawaii, Thompson explores themes of fear, madness, and the destructive nature of power. The title, "Curse of Lono," refers to an ancient Hawaiian god associated with peace, fertility, and agriculture. Thompson uses the curse as a metaphor for the negative forces that seem to follow him throughout his journey.
I've also entered you in the Pipeline Masters, a world class surfing contest on the north shore of Oahu on Dec.26. You will need some work on your high-speed balance for this one, Ralph. You'll be shot through the curl at speeds up to 50 or even 75 miles an hour, and you won't want to fall. I won't be with you in the Pipeline gig, due to serious objections raised by my attorney with regard to the urine test and other legal ramifications.
But I will enter the infamous Liston Memorial Rooster Fight, at $1,000 per unit on the universal scale -- e.g., one minute in the cage with one rooster wins $1,000. . . or five minutes with one rooster is worth $5,000. . . and two minutes with five roosters is $10,000. . . etc.
This is serious business, Ralph. These Hawaiian slashing roosters can tear a man to shreds in a matter of seconds. I am training here at home with the peacocks — six 40-pound birds in a 6' x 6' cage, and I think I'm getting the hang of it.
The time has come to kick ass, Ralph, even if it means coming briefly out of retirement and dealing, once again, with the public. I am also in need of a rest — for legal reasons — so I want this gig to be easy, and I know in my heart that it will be.
Don't worry, Ralph. We will bend a few brains with this one. I have already secured the Compound: two homes with a 50-meter pool on the edge of the sea on Alii Drive in Kona, where the sun always shines.
[If you want to listen to the whole book, it’s free on Audible. Or you can track down some collector copies on Amazon or rare book stores that include the incredible illustrations]. Or here, click this and you can read it on PDF now.]
But I will enter the infamous Liston Memorial Rooster Fight, at $1,000 per unit on the universal scale -- e.g., one minute in the cage with one rooster wins $1,000. . . or five minutes with one rooster is worth $5,000. . . and two minutes with five roosters is $10,000. . . etc.
As he delves into the island's history and culture, he discovers a dark undercurrent of violence and greed that threatens to disrupt the tranquility of the Hawaiian paradise. Through vivid and often hallucinatory descriptions, Thompson captures the essence of the Hawaiian landscape and its inhabitants. He brings to life a cast of eccentric characters, including fellow journalists, locals, and his own entourage. His writing style is characterized by its fast-paced, intoxicating prose and his ability to blend humor and social commentary. "Curse of Lono" is not a conventional travelogue or sports journalism piece. Instead, Thompson uses the marathon event as a backdrop to explore deeper themes of human nature and societal issues. He confronts his own fears and insecurities, as well as the darker aspects of American culture that he observes during his time in Hawaii. Overall, "Curse of Lono" is a unique and compelling work that showcases Thompson's signature style and his talent for blending fact and fiction. It offers an insightful and often satirical commentary on society and provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of America's most influential and controversial writers..
Reviews for "The Cjrse of Lono: A Path to Self-Realization and Self-Mastery"
1. Jane - 1 star - "I really did not enjoy reading 'Curse of Lono'. The writing style was too confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow the story. The characters were also very unlikable and lacked depth. The plot felt scattered and it was difficult to find a cohesive storyline. Overall, I was very disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others."
2. Mark - 2 stars - "I had high hopes for 'Curse of Lono' but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The humor often felt forced and the attempts at wit fell flat. The book also seemed to focus more on describing the author's indulgent adventures instead of developing a meaningful plot. The constant tangents and unnecessary details made it a struggle to stay engaged. While there were a handful of interesting moments, they were overshadowed by the overall tediousness of the book."
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "I found 'Curse of Lono' to be incredibly self-indulgent and lacking substance. The author seemed more interested in showcasing his own personal experiences rather than crafting a compelling narrative. The excessive drug and alcohol use throughout the book became tiresome and took away from any potential depth in the story. Overall, I was left feeling dissatisfied and underwhelmed by this novel."