Moloka'i

govmarley reviewed Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

Review of "Moloka'i" on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This is a lovely book. It's sad and happy all mixed together. It's richly drawn with historical details and the characters come to life. Like I said, lovely.

Rachel lives in Hawaii, and is diagnosed with leprosy at age seven. Seven, my friends. Tragic, simply tragic. As was done in the late 1800s / early 1900s, she was shipped to Moloka'i to live at the Leper's Colony. And if that isn't sad enough, she is completely cut off from her family. We follow Rachel through her life and her illness. I know what you are thinking: this sounds depressing! Not so. It does have parts that will make you sad, parts that will make you mad, and parts that will make you smile. It's a lot like life. And it's well written. Fans of historical fiction should check it out.

Melisondra [bookish] reviewed Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

Review of "Moloka'i" on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Posted Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Actual Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I don’t specifically remember all of the details of what day it was or where I was, yet I remember my reaction upon first seeing this book and reading its synopsis; I knew that I had to read this book! This book set itself apart from the other options available on the surrounding shelves firstly due to its striking cover art. Its colors and contrast surrounding the mysterious lady in the flowers…you just wanted to learn about her, to read her story. Once I picked up the book and read the synopsis I knew I would read it because the main character was a Hawaiian girl which touched a chord in me because I am part Hawaiian myself and I was fascinated with the idea of sharing that part of my heritage with a main character. …

Posted Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Actual Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I don’t specifically remember all of the details of what day it was or where I was, yet I remember my reaction upon first seeing this book and reading its synopsis; I knew that I had to read this book! This book set itself apart from the other options available on the surrounding shelves firstly due to its striking cover art. Its colors and contrast surrounding the mysterious lady in the flowers…you just wanted to learn about her, to read her story. Once I picked up the book and read the synopsis I knew I would read it because the main character was a Hawaiian girl which touched a chord in me because I am part Hawaiian myself and I was fascinated with the idea of sharing that part of my heritage with a main character.

While I loved the setting and adored Rachel before I had actually read her story, by the time I finished the book I realized that she had an impact on me. It wasn't the typical reaction where you are disappointed the story comes to an end or even wishing there had been more. I had realized that I wanted to be more like Rachel, I wanted her strength, her ability to persevere in adversity, and find happiness in the life she had, rather than pining for a life denied her. That is what made this book truly beautiful to me.

Originally posted on my Tumblr.

Lee Kadin

rated it

Aug. 21, 2014

no <3

rated it

July 10, 2021

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