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jedore's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
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? No
4.25
“Ruth was beginning to suspect that there may be more to the universe than any one religion could explain.”
"Daughter of Moloka’i" is a captivating continuation of the story that began with "Moloka’i." Set in the early 20th century, it follows the life of Ruth, the daughter of Rachel from the first book, as she navigates her own rocky life.
Alan Brennert's writing is truly a delight. It's both intelligent and accessible, drawing me into the story effortlessly from the very first page.
The characters he creates are so vivid and well-developed that they feel like real people you'd love to have the privilege of knowing.
Like Moloka’i, this book seamlessly weaves historical facts into the narrative making it extra enriching. I was totally engrossed until the very end.
As someone with a spiritual connection to Hawaii, this book resonated deeply with me. It beautifully captures the essence of the islands, strengthening my bond with the place even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a poignant historical story with heart!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Colonisation, Xenophobia, Grief, Confinement, Death of parent, and Deportation
Moderate: Animal death
voela321's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
5.0
Beautiful sequel to a beautiful book. Daughter of Moloka’i is Ruth’s story. The story of the daughter Rachel was forced to relinquish on Moloka’i. Initially sent to a children’s orphanage where she was raised by loving nuns then adopted by Japanese immigrant parents who subsequently emigrated to California. This story covers the deep injustice that was the Japanese internment camps of World War Two. But it is especially about mothers and daughters. Ruth discovers she has 2 mothers when Rachel is finally allowed to leave Moloka’i and comes looking for Ruth. This is the story of a daughter and her love for both of her mothers. It is magic. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Chronic illness, Xenophobia, and Confinement
Minor: Sexual assault
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? No
3.75
Daughter of Moloka’i is the story of Ruth who was born in the Hawaiian leper colony of Kalaupapa to a Hawaiian mother and Japanese father. She was removed from their care lest they infect her with leprosy, and was adopted by a Japanese couple. I think the main reason I enjoyed this less than its predecessor, Moloka’i, was because much of the ground it covered - discrimination against Japanese citizens and their internment during World War II - was already familiar to me. I enjoyed the story more when Rachel reentered Ruth’s life forcing her to reckon with her mixed feelings as an adoptee and giving her the opportunity to learn about her Hawaiian heritage, both topics I’m less familiar with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Grief and Terminal illness
ampam's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Racial slurs, Suicide attempt, War, and Xenophobia
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