selmbry's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
karaklos's review against another edition
4.0
Moloka’i is the heartbreaking life story of Rachel Kalama, who was sent to the island of Moloka’i as a child for contracting leprosy. Spanning almost 80 years, the story begins with her finding a sore on her leg that won’t heal. Shortly after, she is taken from her family and banished to Moloka’i.
On Moloka’i she has to learn to build a new life for herself and make a new family. The people there are deprived of their freedom but also basic life necessities. It’s a brutal life that no one should have endured. Somehow they made the best of their time there while they watch their friends taken by the disease one by one.
I was intrigued with the idea of the island staying locked in time while the world moved on. After such a challenging life, getting released and still being feared by others was even more heartbreaking.
While I enjoyed the history, culture. and Rachel’s story, I found the pacing to be uneven with very slow parts (particularly in the middle). The language used seemed too modern for the time. An enjoyable read I will remember.
On Moloka’i she has to learn to build a new life for herself and make a new family. The people there are deprived of their freedom but also basic life necessities. It’s a brutal life that no one should have endured. Somehow they made the best of their time there while they watch their friends taken by the disease one by one.
I was intrigued with the idea of the island staying locked in time while the world moved on. After such a challenging life, getting released and still being feared by others was even more heartbreaking.
While I enjoyed the history, culture. and Rachel’s story, I found the pacing to be uneven with very slow parts (particularly in the middle). The language used seemed too modern for the time. An enjoyable read I will remember.
sarahmontplaisir's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
3.75
jamwrangler's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
k37713_t's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
anneenichole's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
madisonboboltz's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most devastatingly beautiful books I’ve read. Incredibly moving and memorable. Fascinating and heartbreaking history. Complex and lovable characters. Gorgeous scenic descriptions and insights into Hawaiian culture.
It was, however, a mistake to choose to take this on vacation. Apologies to my friends who had to comfort me on the beach and the man sitting next to me on the plane who has to witness me weeping inconsolably.
It was, however, a mistake to choose to take this on vacation. Apologies to my friends who had to comfort me on the beach and the man sitting next to me on the plane who has to witness me weeping inconsolably.
jennjames's review against another edition
5.0
I REALLY enjoyed this book! I cared about the characters, and their relationships. I could see the settings that the author was describing. I was so drawn into this book that I couldn't put it down. But at the same time, I didn't want it to end! Highly recommended!
livrad's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favorite books I have ever read. This was my second time with it, this time reading it aloud to middle grade children, who also found it totally engaging.
Usually they say to "write what you know," and I am a big supporter of "own voices" books. But, chapter after chapter, I am amazed than Brennert is not actually a young Hawaiian girl with leprosy. The book is so vivid in every aspect--the descriptions of the different Hawaiian islands, the culture, the nature of the disease, the characters (even those we only know briefly). In Rachel's story, the reader feels genuine sadness and joy, grief and and freedom.
It is a story that will stay with me perhaps for always, and one I know I will return to periodically.
Usually they say to "write what you know," and I am a big supporter of "own voices" books. But, chapter after chapter, I am amazed than Brennert is not actually a young Hawaiian girl with leprosy. The book is so vivid in every aspect--the descriptions of the different Hawaiian islands, the culture, the nature of the disease, the characters (even those we only know briefly). In Rachel's story, the reader feels genuine sadness and joy, grief and and freedom.
It is a story that will stay with me perhaps for always, and one I know I will return to periodically.