Reviews

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

readinginmaine's review against another edition

4.0

I'm going to finish this book, but barely. It has some good points, but generally it seems to meander around from one point to the next without a story-based purpose to do it. Interesting historical perspectives. I did learn some things from it, but not my best recommendation of a "can't put down" book.

kerryw78's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

cozybook's review against another edition

love it ended really good.

chapita4's review against another edition

5.0

So many people had recommended this book and I finally got a chance to read it. Having visited Hawaii this year really brought the story to life as I could picture the places mentioned. Such a beautiful, tragic story...a cautionary tale of all the consequences of operating out of fear and not science and facts. What will stick with me is the resilience of the human spirit and the fact that although we many not control our destiny, we can control how we deal with it.

ks0113's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

kateburstein31's review against another edition

5.0

So far, this book is going far better than I expected. Again, this is a book chosen by my book group...one I probably wouldn't have chosen on my own. It's an extremely fascinating read. I look forward to the rest of the book.

drusmilford's review against another edition

5.0

Highly recommend this book. Both very informative and enjoyable to read. Absolutely loved the book especially Rachel! Warning I do not cry very often over a book but the tears were streaming!!!!!

meganmcc1234's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

kuhlayoh's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

utahmomreads's review against another edition

4.0

Rachel is a happy seven year old living in Honolulu when she is diagnosed with leprosy (now known as Hansen's Disease) and sentenced to live the rest of her life in Kalaupapa, the leper colony on the island of Moloka'i. The historical novel Moloka'i, while spanning the years from the 1890's to 1970's, brings dignity and compassion to those who were quarantined to the island and separated from their families.

Moloka'i is an enchanting novel by Alan Brennert. It is the story of Rachel and her life on Moloka'i but ultimately it is a story of hope and faith. It is a heart wrenching story but the people on the island also experience laughter, love and joy.

The character development is well done. I especially appreciated the attention paid to Sister Catherine, a nun serving the people of Kalaupapa. The nuns are not the stock characters that inhabit most media, but thoughtful, tormented and realistic people with desires and dreams. The setting of the beautiful islands of Hawaii is described by one who loves it. Hawaii and its people are alive in this beautiful, stunning novel.