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.
dannycakez8808's review against another edition
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
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
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