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Moloka’i

By: Alan Brennert
Narrated by: Anne Noelani Miyamoto
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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)

What listeners say about Moloka’i

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Wonderfully performed

... and so many heart wrenching moments. This book was also very informative regarding Leprosy, ‘Hansen’s disease and the history of the island and Hawaiian traditions.

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Awareness

I learned so much from this book. I loved the honesty portrayed and the historical detail. Such a good biook

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Moloka'i

Very engaging story based on some truth. I didn't know anything about the leprosy colony on Moloka'i.

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Historical Fiction at its best.

This book quickly had me enraptured. I could see and feel and smell Hawaii, as I never had a chance to know it. The themes of this book inspire me: the pain of ostracism; the triumph of making a life despite hardship; the importance of remembering and honoring the past, while vowing that others not suffer similarly. These all capture the dignity that is part of our humanity. If you aren't moved by this book, there is something broken in you.

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Heartbreaking and beautiful story

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book when it was selected for my book club, but once I started I couldn’t get enough. An incredible story about loss, prejudice, inequity, resilience, love, triumph, and of course Ohana.

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Molokai

This is a beautiful story with tragic history but wonderfully honored. The narrator was very much in tune with the story.

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Moloka’i

Wonderful historical fiction. Great narration and nicely written. I part of history we should learn more about.

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Amazing Story

The narrator really made the story come alive and pulled you into the characters who led such extraordinary lives. I found myself near tears many times and many times nearly choking with laughter. It was a joy to listen to, and an important glimpse into Hawai'i's history.

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Moloka’i

Story of Hansen’s disease (leperosy) and its effect on youth to elderly people on the Hawaiian Islands.

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Refreshing and educational

My goodness!!! A book that is so different from the same old thing! Learned a lot about how leprosy victims were treated and every ending to a life’s journey was not predictable!

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