“I’ve come to believe that how we live with pain, or injustice, or death…is the true measure of the Divine within us.”
★★★★★
The Book
Told from the 1890s well into the latter half of the 20th century, Molokaʻi follows Rachel Kalama, an adventurous Hawaiian girl who dreams of traveling the world just as her father does. At the age of 7, rose-colored marks appear on her skin, and she is immediately sent to the isolated leprosy settlement on Molokaʻi. Separated from her family and home, Rachel is terrified, alone and distraught. With time, however, Rachel finds a family in the community on Molokaʻi and learns that a fulfilling life can be lived despite being in the face of death.
Thoughts
Oh wow where do I begin. This book is incredibly well-written and took me on a wild ride of emotions. From the 1890s onward, I felt like I grew up with Rachel, as well as the other characters in this book. The characters are vulnerable, strong and steadfast. They are the heart of this story. I shared their wonder at the new innovations and technology the 20th century brought. I felt their fear and despair with suffering from leprosy and with being separated from their families. I rejoiced with them and I grieved with them.
To reiterate my little blurb on goodreads, it takes a lot for a story to make me physically cry. My heart strings have been tugged at, but I can’t recall an actual time where I’ve bawled my eyes out while reading…that is, until I read this book. Well done Molokaʻi and Alan Brennert. I was a semi-snotty, red-faced, teary mess when I finished this book. It’s such an amazing read.
“With wonder and a growing absence of fear she realized, ‘I am more than I was an hour ago.’”
I really enjoy reading your review. Books sounds very interesting. I would like to read it.
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Thank you! Moloka’i definitely made it onto my favourites list 🙂
I’ve heard of this title before, but admittedly I didn’t catch what the book was about. ahh Rachel had such a sad childhood! I hope it didn’t end too sad, or at least that it ended bittersweet! Love a book that makes me cry <3 <3 -Audrey | Book Book Chick
I hope you get to read this one Audrey! <3 It was really moving and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions!!
This sounds like such a good book, lola! Books set in the 1800s really spark my interest! Do you own this copy or did you rent it from a library – if it’s yours, bring it when you visit! Also, the book cover reminds me a lot of Memoirs of a Geisha for some odd reason. Thanks for sharing!
☼ cabin twenty-four
I have a feeling you’ll really enjoy this book lola, the author weaved so much historical information in this! And it’s my copy, I’ll bring it over!
Glad you enjoyed reading Moloka’i! This sounds like the type of book I would read, especially with it exploring the Hawaiian culture. Rachel is a rockstar despite her challenges. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
The author did a great job including lots of historical info about Hawaii and its culture without overshadowing the story. I hope you get to read it soon, it’s a gem of a book!