Talking to the Dead

Although some of these 10 interrelated stories told by residents of a Hawaiian community linger in the memory, others soon evaporate. Watanabe's spare prose focuses on extended families and on events suffused with spirituality. Noteworthy stories include ``Anchorage,'' in which a young woman hesitates to leave her father, a former artist afficted with Alzheimer's disease, for school in Alaska; and the O. Henry Award-winning title story, about an elderly mystic who conducts funeral rites and her squeamish but dedicated young apprentice. Occasional references to the sea, lava and the La Hula Rhumba Bar and Grill remind us that the action occurs in exotic Hawaiian settings. Primarily, however, Watanabe directs her attention to conflicts between characters--domineering parents, rebellious kids, local eccentrics--who could be at home in any small town. Her debut collection offers tales that are alternately engaging and listless. (Aug.)