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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 -
" Excellent story, historical fiction. One of my favorites. "
— Audrey, 8/14/2013 -
" This story broke my heart over and over, but also continued to amaze me by showing how people who suffer so much can also live amazing, happy lives amid the loss and pain. My heart goes out to all the people of Molokai and the families left behind. "
— Melanie, 7/18/2013 -
" At times disturbing, a lot of sadness, yet I kept looking for the good in the story and couldn't put it down. "
— Julievanthul, 1/26/2013 -
" Liked it. Interesting historical perspective on Hawaii. "
— Penny, 12/26/2012 -
" Liked it. Cool historical perspective of Hawaii told through a compelling fictional character. "
— Claire, 8/20/2012 -
" Who would have thought that a book with such a seemingly depressing topic (life in a leper colony) would be so engaging and uplifting? "
— Shelby, 6/12/2012 -
" Read it for book club and loved every page of it. "
— DeNae, 2/16/2012 -
" The book was slow in some parts but the ending made up for it. It was a satisfying ending and I and glad I read it. "
— Lindsey, 12/3/2011 -
" An amazing story of a woman who inspite of loss and trials continues to make the very most of her life. This is a wonderful story. "
— Marion, 10/7/2011 -
" A read that will stay with me for a long time I think. Historically based and thoroughly interesting. I'm really touched by this well written and sensitive novel. I cannot recommend it enough! Wow "
— Marguerite, 9/1/2011 -
" Great look into a world that I never knew existed. Good book! "
— Andrea, 7/27/2011 -
" An excellent work of historical fiction. It was clearly well researched, and the author gave a view into a world that I knew nothing about. I thought the storyline was interesting, and I found the book educational. I would highly recommend this book. "
— Angela, 6/26/2011 -
" This is one of THE BEST novels I've ever had the pleasure to read!! So many rich characters and relationships...you feel as if they become your friends. Heartbreaking, heartwarming, just simply beautiful in so many ways. One of my all time favorites, was sad to have it end. "
— Desireez, 6/22/2011 -
" Liked it a lot. Glad it was recommended to me. "
— Terry, 6/22/2011 -
" Great book. Such a heartwarming ending to Rachael's life. Amazing! "
— Christine, 6/22/2011 -
" Excellent, easy read. Gorgeous setting and a subject rarely discussed, one that I am interested in learning more about. The ending was especially touching, but I felt that the story slogged somewhat in the middle. "
— Elizabeth, 6/15/2011 -
" This historical fiction is an eye-opening read about the leper colony on the island of Moloka'i. I couldn't put this one down. "
— Becky, 6/15/2011 -
" I really enjoyed this book. Not one I would have picked on my own (book club). The story about leprosy colonies and how the people were forced to live in seclution. "
— Marni, 6/14/2011 -
" Sad topic in a gorgeous setting. Loved learning about this settlement and loved the characters. "
— Suzie, 6/13/2011