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hannahpalko's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
4.0
This was a moving story, told very simply. More of a 3.5, but figured it was only fair to round up. There were definitely moments that felt out of time- the way people spoke seemed closer to the 1990s rather than the 1890s, but ultimately I was surprised by this story. It tapped a line straight into the feels. Indomitable spirit of the protagonist overcoming the odds.
salgalruns's review against another edition
4.0
I fell in love with this story due to the fiesty Rachel within the first few minutes of hearing the audiobook. I was drawn in with her relationship with her father and laughed heartily at the typical sibling relationship with her sister.
Brennert took me through all sorts of emotions - from giggles at home, to sadness at Rachel's removal from her family, to grief, to fear with the soldier's attack, and most importantly, to love and acceptance...in so many ways.
A beautifully rich story, one I would definitely recommend.
Brennert took me through all sorts of emotions - from giggles at home, to sadness at Rachel's removal from her family, to grief, to fear with the soldier's attack, and most importantly, to love and acceptance...in so many ways.
A beautifully rich story, one I would definitely recommend.
lynnski723's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely LOVED this historical fiction – it is the first book in a long time to have me reading with tears running down my cheeks as I finished it. That is how engrossed in the story I was. I also learned so much about Hawaii’s past and the Hawaiian culture.
This story takes place over a span of 79 years, centered around the life of a young girl sent to be quarantined in a leper community on one of the islands in Hawaii. It is assumed that people are simply sent there to die but the way the community comes together to support each other through life’s challenges (and endings) is so heartwarming. They become one another’s new ‘ohana (family).
sunshinemar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
I was TOTALLY enthralled by this book that journeyed over the life of Rachel and all of the monumental people she met over the course of her life. A story at first glance of a woman’s life with leprosy but revealed to be so much more than that! This book is the story of love, connection, perseverance, strength, joy, pain, laughter, and ohana. I literally felt like I was by Rachel’s side the entire time and the emotions that she felt, I felt as well. I will never forget this reading experience. Instant 5 stars from me!
themis_biblos's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
"I've come to believe that how we choose to live with pain, or injustice, or death is the true measure of the divine within us. Some choose to do harm to themselves and others. Others bear up under their pain and help others bear it."
You can feel how much heart and soul Brennert put into his research and this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Grief, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Forced institutionalization, and Death
Moderate: Racism, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Sexual content, Addiction, Animal death, Confinement, and Transphobia
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
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.