Reviews

Molokaʻi by Alan Brennert

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dkai's review against another edition

4.0

Despite being written by a white man, it's ultimately a well-researched historical novel covering many events and topics. Character development and events can sometimes be rushed, and there's definitely a bit of "man writing woman character" energy, but I feel like it handled these pretty well overall compared to other historical novels. On any issue (religion, non-binary genders, etc) the book leaned towards mutual understanding without emphasizing one side over another.

tamarahala's review against another edition

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5.0

Really amazing book. I didn't want it to end.

dannycakez8808's review against another edition

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4.0

This book has been on my tbr now for quiet some time. It was the brilliant cover that initially drew me in but I was quickly infatuated by the story and the life of our main character Rachel. The story takes place in the late 1890's - early 1900's. The story takes place in Hawaii and focuses on leprosy patients. This is a story that is very important yet seldom told. I really enjoyed learning more about the island, the people, and the disease that divided them. The author did a fantastic job of going over historical facts but also making you feel all sorts of emotions- rage, happiness and tears. Definetly glad I picked this one up!

fleurs24's review against another edition

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3.0

My actual rating is a 3.5. It was very interesting to read about the history of events from a time I never learned about.

selmbry's review against another edition

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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

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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.