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Moloka'i Audiobook
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(4.00) - 35,310 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The powerful debut novel from Alan Brennert, Moloka'i tells the story of Rachel Kalama, a seven-year-old Hawaiian girl who contracts leprosy and is quarantined on the island of Moloka'i during the 1890s. Separated from her family and forced to grow up in the leper colony of Kalaupapa, Rachel experiences intense isolation. But she remains strong, finding moments of joy, and even love. Rich in Hawaiian history, this novel proves itself a stellar piece of historical fiction.
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"It's was so tiring when I tried to finish the majority of this book in one day before my book club discussed. The tragedies of residents of Molokai (sick and workers alike) were so dismal that I felt exhausted from crying over all those deaths in a single afternoon. Can't imagine what it was like for the people who were actually send to Moloka'i or the interment camps. Humanity's inhumanity to itself is so ridiculous."
— Katy (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A dazzling historical novel.”
— Washington Post -
“Alan Brennert draws on historical accounts of Kalaupapa and weaves in traditional Hawaiian stories and customs…Moloka’i is the story of people who had much taken from them but also gained an unexpected new family and community in the process.”
— Chicago Tribune -
“Compellingly original…Brennert’s compassion makes Rachel a memorable character, and his smooth storytelling vividly brings early twentieth-century Hawaii to life.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Moloka’i is a haunting story of tragedy in a Pacific paradise.”
— Robert Morgan, author of Gap Creek -
“Moving and elegiac.”
— Honolulu Star-Bulletin -
“[An] absorbing novel…Brennert evokes the evolution of—and hardships on—Moloka’i in engaging prose that conveys a strong sense of place.”
— National Geographic Traveler -
“A gritty story of love and survival in a Hawaiian leper colony…Not a comfortable read, but certainly instructive.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Moloka'i Listener Reviews
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Dianne Birney, 4/2/2015
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" Gripping tale of a young Hawaiian girl diagnosed with leprosy before the turn of the century. This historical fiction was clearly well researched so all incidents in the story are based upon fact. Love, faith, courage and loss are all key elements in this great book. "
— Sue, 2/11/2014 -
" Haunting. A compelling survival story of the human spirit. "
— Sharon, 1/1/2014 -
" Loved this book. Makes want to take a tour of the island and see what's left of this village. "
— Sherri, 1/1/2014 -
" A beautifuly written book. Definitely some teary moments. Fascinating to read a novel based on real events that I had no idea had ever occurred. "
— Rosalyn, 12/29/2013 -
" Very good. Sad to think how the people with Leprosy were treated. "
— Karen, 12/25/2013 -
" One of my all time favorites. Great, great book. I highly recommend it! "
— Tim, 12/23/2013 -
" This was an amazing book!I couldn't put it down! "
— Soapykitty, 12/18/2013 -
" Wow - what a well written and insightful look at turn if the century Hawaii. Heartbreaking at many points, yet full of hope. "
— Joan, 12/7/2013 -
" Excellent story. Good read. "
— Kami, 11/25/2013 -
" Wonderfull book of courage, really enjoyed it. "
— Razzy91, 10/9/2013