Moloka’i

By: Alan Brennert

Narrated by: Anne Noelani Miyamoto

Length: 17 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

The powerful debut novel from Alan Brennert, Moloka’i tells the story of Rachel Kalama, a seven-year-old Hawaiian girl who contracts leprosy and is quarantined on the island of Moloka’i during the 1890s. Separated from her family and forced to grow up in the leper colony of Kalaupapa, Rachel experiences intense isolation. But she remains strong, finding moments of joy, and even love. Rich in Hawaiian history, this novel proves itself a stellar piece of historical fiction.

©2003 Alan Brennert (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“Compellingly original … Brennert’s compassion makes Rachel a memorable character, and his smooth storytelling vividly brings early twentieth-century Hawaii to life.” ( Publishers Weekly)

Beautifully written story

I fell in love with this book. A tragic and compelling story beautifully written and narrated gracefully. A story where humanity in all its beauty and ugliness comes through.

Loved it!!!

Interesting historical fiction. I had always heard about Moloka’i but not much more than the passing mention. This book brought the stories of the island, Illness and patients to life. I loved it. I learned so much. Great character development. Highly recommend!!

Could not put it down

Wonderful book. I did not find any boring parts from start to finish. I will enjoy reading it again in a few years.

Sad but true

Sad but it is a facet of US and Hawaii history we need to be aware of. It is ultimately inspiring.

One of my favorites!

I love historical fiction, and I truly loved this book! The character development is rich, and I truly loved so many of them. The pages indeed came alive. Truly phenomenal!!!

Great Historical Fiction

A true journey of an entire lifetime through the eyes of a Hawaiian girl experiencing leprosy. We see all stages of life, from young childhood to middle age, old age and even death. The book takes you through historical events of Hawaii from the 1880’s to 1950’s, including the coupe that deposed the Queen, the invention of automobiles and aircraft, and the events of Pearl Harbor.

Heartwrenching and Beautiful

Where does Moloka’i rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would put it in the top five for sure.

What other book might you compare Moloka’i to and why?

I'm not sure there is one I would compare it to. I gave it a try because of the setting and feeling nostalgic for the years I spent in Hawaii.

What does Anne Noelani Miyamoto bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She was the perfect narrator. I loved listening to her speak Hawaiian.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and I cried more than once. I wish I could have listened to the story all at once but there was no way to do that. It was just so engrossing that one had to take a break now and then!

Any additional comments?

This was an unexpected jewel as far as books go. I do like historical fiction in general but I'm usually leaning more towards European history but I am so glad I gave this story a shot!

Beautiful story

What did you love best about Moloka’i?

I loved the characters in this book, they were well written. The descriptions of the Hawaiian Islands made it very easy to imagine I was there.

What about Anne Noelani Miyamoto’s performance did you like?

The story was beautifully read.

If you could rename Moloka’i, what would you call it?

Tragedy in Paradise

Hunanizes Hanson's deisease. Well done.

Legends and stories of old Hawaii artfully woven into the plot. Main character is thoroughly developed.

Charmingly tragic

How can so much bad luck develop into graceful love? Rachel's story is astonishing in its symphony of horrifying events - each beyond her control.
The story is well done and the facts interesting. Our narrator was inconsistent; sometimes on point of voice and character, but stilted and reedy during narration.
Moloka'i was an island of mistaken decisions and choked with sadness, but the author highlights the love and life that survived disease and prejudice.
I found this book to be so engaging that I was transported to Hawaii for hours. I highly recommend the book and the author. Four stars for the narration only because compared to the outstanding narration of other titles, this reader is lacking polish. (Keep at it, narrator!)

I'm going on the listen to "The Colony" next.