Reviews

Fascinating story of the leper colony in Hawaii. It was especially interesting to me because one of my favorite aunts contracted leprosy when she was sixteen and was sent to a leper colony in Brazil.

carrieannw's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

hannahpalko's review against another edition

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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

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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

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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.

lynnski723's review against another edition

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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

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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!

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