jo_scherer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
ashleighreeb's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
lechalm's review against another edition
5.0
I don't write a lot of reviews on books I've read, but as this was a life-changing type of read, I'll do my best.
I knew nothing of the history of sending lepers to the island of Moloka'i. This was eye-opening itself to me, and especially shocking to find out how they would separate families. Pulling children from their homes in order to isolate the rest of the family from the disease.
What I most loved about this book was seeing how people with disease didn't just take it lying down. They still lived their lives. They loved, they danced, they surfed, they prayed, they partied. They were people who were given a death sentence, but made the most of what they had left.
The majority of the characters may be fictionalized, but the events that took place are historically accurate. Many things in the book made me pause to research on my phone while I was reading.
When a book leaves you more knowledgeable and yet craving more, you know it's worth the time you put into it.
I knew nothing of the history of sending lepers to the island of Moloka'i. This was eye-opening itself to me, and especially shocking to find out how they would separate families. Pulling children from their homes in order to isolate the rest of the family from the disease.
What I most loved about this book was seeing how people with disease didn't just take it lying down. They still lived their lives. They loved, they danced, they surfed, they prayed, they partied. They were people who were given a death sentence, but made the most of what they had left.
The majority of the characters may be fictionalized, but the events that took place are historically accurate. Many things in the book made me pause to research on my phone while I was reading.
When a book leaves you more knowledgeable and yet craving more, you know it's worth the time you put into it.
ahlinc'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? No
4.5
trekbek's review against another edition
5.0
I put off finishing this book for so long because it was making me cry in public. I finished it curled up under my blankets, weeping like someone real had died, as the Lord intended.
anusha_natesh's review against another edition
5.0
Ummm wait let me grab a tissue! This book broke my heart many times.By the time I reached 90% I was crying and sad.
Unaware of the concept of quarantine for leprosy, or Molokai history... the story led me doing some research on Molokai and kalaupapa.And oh boy, how shocked I was.
The story follows Rachel, from 8 years to 80 years of her lifetime... dealing with leprosy.Her resilience , hope, acceptance is very beautifully written.
The way she struggles to integrate into mainstream society is a slap in the face on how little we know on such people.The so called outcasts and how much they struggle on a daily basis.
The importance of ohana ie family is skilfully written.Being an outcast at 8, Leaving her family to be expelled to Molokai, Rachel finds her family in the settlement, amongs friends , other people who are suffering and caretakers.
The authors note at the end was cherry on top, where author mentions few real people who are still living in kalauapa, and books that the author referred.I am tempted to pick the up soon.
It was gleeful journey to grow old with Rachel.
Unaware of the concept of quarantine for leprosy, or Molokai history... the story led me doing some research on Molokai and kalaupapa.And oh boy, how shocked I was.
The story follows Rachel, from 8 years to 80 years of her lifetime... dealing with leprosy.Her resilience , hope, acceptance is very beautifully written.
The way she struggles to integrate into mainstream society is a slap in the face on how little we know on such people.The so called outcasts and how much they struggle on a daily basis.
The importance of ohana ie family is skilfully written.Being an outcast at 8, Leaving her family to be expelled to Molokai, Rachel finds her family in the settlement, amongs friends , other people who are suffering and caretakers.
The authors note at the end was cherry on top, where author mentions few real people who are still living in kalauapa, and books that the author referred.I am tempted to pick the up soon.
It was gleeful journey to grow old with Rachel.
bookswithbrittanica's review against another edition
5.0
I just happened to see this novel at Target some years ago, and put it in my book list to read later. I checked it out from the library, and instantly delved in when my finals were ending.
I am surprised at how many people did not like the book or think it had any "soul". For me, all I saw was a riveting soul. This book was similarly written like Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It talks about a different time with traditions and customs I enjoyed learning about- all mixed with heartbreak, love, and the desire to live.
It was a little wordy, but the characters were absolutely stunning. The plot was always moving forward, and I actually FELT something in this novel. Riding the train to school, I would find myself tearing up, especially when parts about Rachel's father appeared.
I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who like a little history in their reads. Although- bring some tissues. You'll need them.
I am surprised at how many people did not like the book or think it had any "soul". For me, all I saw was a riveting soul. This book was similarly written like Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. It talks about a different time with traditions and customs I enjoyed learning about- all mixed with heartbreak, love, and the desire to live.
It was a little wordy, but the characters were absolutely stunning. The plot was always moving forward, and I actually FELT something in this novel. Riding the train to school, I would find myself tearing up, especially when parts about Rachel's father appeared.
I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who like a little history in their reads. Although- bring some tissues. You'll need them.
karenks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
What a let down! I was expecting so much more!
amethyst_hearts_books's review against another edition
3.0
It wasn't bad, but I wanted more from this book and it didn't deliver.