| A modern Hawaiian woman in an abusive marriage awakens one day believing she's Madam Pele, goddess of the volcano, and Madam Pele will tolerate no abuse. After injuring a police officer while attempting to burn down the grocery store where she works, she's hospitalized and assigned to a Honolulu police psychiatrist, Araki, whose marriage's recent end has driven him to alcoholism.
Araki's mandate from the police is clear: sign the papers that will certify her competency and allow them to prosecute. But Araki can't do that - he's drawn to the woman's strength, her composure, and her scathing wit. He realizes that as Pele, she seems far more sane than he is. In intense sessions, with the woman restrained, Araki stalls for time and tries to build trust. He discovers the details of her abuse and comes close to breaking through, but she always seems one step ahead of him. Between sessions, Araki sees in the wild beauty of the Oahu the strength he lacks, the strength that this woman seems to have. The legends of Madam Pele surround and intoxicate him. Araki learns that somewhere in this woman's delusion is his own salvation. He has to reach the core of her strength and gain her trust. But working against him are other psychiatrists, nervous policemen, and even his own supervisor, who openly questions his competence. Not to mention that the woman has disappeared. PELE O KA FOODMART explores how an ancient Hawaiian legend can contribute to modern Hawaii, and how we can all use the past to guide us instead of condemning us. |