Moloka'i: A Novel
Apr 2010 · St. Martin's Press
4.6star
39 reviewsreport
Ebook
384
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About this ebook
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.
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.
Ratings and reviews
4.6
39 reviews
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December 31, 2011
This book is an excellent read. Very enjoyable and the best written "drama" in a long time. The use so fiction and research about the accounts of many people made the general history of Molokai pretty accurate. Can't believe I am going to say this.... Wish it were longer. The break from child to young adult left some gaps and frustrations. And would have loved to know more about the Honolulu times after release, Maui and visits to Molokai after her release.
Loved.this book and would highly recommend it to anyone. Can't wait to start my new book, "Hawaii".
Linda Douglas
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May 19, 2016
Excellent book! It holds your attention from beginning to end. Not only is it a beautiful story, but you learn about the life and times of that area, the disease, and the incredible human spirit.
Carole Young
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September 5, 2016
It held my attention throughout the book. Unbelievable how spiratual clergymen changed the medical viewpoint for the Hawaiian people who were diagnosed with leprosy. Amazing what one had to go through to survive.
About the author
Alan Brennert is a novelist (Time and Chance) as well as an Emmy Award-winning screenwriter (L.A. Law). He lives in Southern California, but his heart is in Hawai'i.
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