Moloka'i - Alan Brennert

Moloka'i

By Alan Brennert

  • Release Date: 2010-04-01
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 814 Ratings

Young Rachel Kalama, growing up in idyllic Honolulu in the 1890s, is part of a big, loving Hawaiian family, and dreams of seeing the far-off lands that her father, a merchant seaman, often visits. But at the age of seven, Rachel and her dreams are shattered by the discovery that she has leprosy. Forcibly removed from her family, she is sent to Kalaupapa, the isolated leper colony on the island of Moloka'i.

In her exile she finds a family of friends to replace the family she's lost: a native healer, Haleola, who becomes her adopted "auntie" and makes Rachel aware of the rich culture and mythology of her people; Sister Mary Catherine Voorhies, one of the Franciscan sisters who care for young girls at Kalaupapa; and the beautiful, worldly Leilani, who harbors a surprising secret. At Kalaupapa she also meets the man she will one day marry.

True to historical accounts, Moloka'i is the story of an extraordinary human drama, the full scope and pathos of which has never been told before in fiction. But Rachel's life, though shadowed by disease, isolation, and tragedy, is also one of joy, courage, and dignity. This is a story about life, not death; hope, not despair. It is not about the failings of flesh, but the strength of the human spirit.

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Reviews

  • Loved this to the very end

    5
    By Paint2014
    A historic novel and an eye opening epic
  • Beautifully written

    5
    By uspsterry57
    Loved this book
  • Good, but Sad

    3
    By Lecxiecv
    A great book, while dull at times abs fast at others, I found myself sobbing throughout the book.
  • Molokai’i

    5
    By Kukana2
    If you really want to learn the history of Hawaii, you will love this true story. It is an important part of its history. Have read this more than once.
  • Amazing tale

    5
    By Ego206
    I began to learn and care for the history of the one Hawaiian Island I have not been to. This was an amazing read.
  • Historical fiction at its best

    5
    By Kay's favorite books
    Molokai is part love letter to the late 19th century in HI, part coming of age story, a story of the people infected with Hanson’s disease, and the stories of those who cared for them. In simple yet elegant writing, the author conveys an exceptional range of human experiences, religious practices, and ways to be a family during a time when the world is going through immense change This book was highly recommended to me by a dear friend, and I will encourage everyone I know read this novel that brings to live a specific time and place few realize existed. Kay’s favorite books.
  • Eye Opening

    4
    By TaraBaraCO
    Great book. Opened my eyes to what individuals diagnosed with Hansen's were subject to during this era.
  • Love of Molokai'i

    5
    By bampy1
    We have been to Molokai'i and really enjoyed this book, learned so much thru the characters lives very interesting , could not put it down! Mahalo for this book.
  • Molokai

    1
    By Prof Connie
    Really disappointed in the one dimensional characters the author "put together" from the collected stories of Molokai's residents with Hansen's Disease. His depictions of the real residents at the end of his book, read much better. This book drags on and never pulls the reader in to empathize with the patients. A remarkable feat considering Brennert had such compelling material!
  • Molokai is mo bettah

    5
    By Kikicasper87
    I read this book on my way to Molokai for vacation. I finished it a few days ago just in time to take the mule ride down to kalaupapa. To be able to put a place to the names I've read in the book is amazing. It felt amazing to take a peak into the lives of the patients and their caretakers in Kalaupapa and Kalaweo. The pain and suffering people endured here is not lost even many years down the road. If you get a chance read this book! Even better, read it on your way to Molokai!