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)

Moloka'i reminded me of the local TB hospital.

Would you consider the audio edition of Moloka’i to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed the audible version of the book. I hear more than I would read. Skimming is appropriate for a quick novel but listening allows you to feel for the characters.

Any additional comments?

I worked at a local hospital that in an earlier life was a TB hospital. It had it's own dairy, raised food, had schools, proms, operated on patients to remove the infected lung once the TB was surrounded. Patients became employees. Fresh air was a cure so in the dead of winter windows were opened wide. Patients had many blankets and a cap. Snow ended up on them during storms. Leprosy apparently wasn't communicable as was TB. We treat people different because......we're afraid.

Wonderful Book About a Horrible Disease

I was leery about reading a book about leprosy, but this was a beautiful story about a woman who was sent when a child to the leper colony on Moloka'i where she stayed until grown up. Not only does this book tell about the disease and its effect on the body, but also explores the feelings of loneliness and stigma that the disease brings. The story of Rachel's life on Moloka'i is brought to life with compassion. Read it, you won't be disappointed!

Moloka

This was a fantastic story.
The narrator did a wonderful job, especially with the inflections of her voice. Would highly recommend.

Moloka’i

Excellent mingling of fictional characters in a historical period of leprosy in Hawaii from the late 1890’s to 1080’s.

Reads like a biography, not like fiction

The story grabbed my heart from the very beginning but it also fed my mind. I learned history and Hawaiian culture. I wish I’d read the author’s note first to understand how much research had been done and which parts of the story were factual or based on real people. I have a new understanding and a new level of compassion for people who have been treated so cruelly because of fear and ignorance.

beautiful

This story made me long to visit Hawaii. Narrators voice was perfect. Two thumbs up.

Interesting Insight

I found the balance between the humaneness and lack of it was powerful! The rendering of individual stories was compelling and interesting.

Great story and great reader

I learned so much. I went to visit the no longer colony. Bless there hearts. Read this book.

Amazing!

Would you listen to Moloka’i again? Why?

Yes! The author takes tragic subject matter (the exile of leprosy patients from their homes and families) and turns it into a story that is beautiful, life-affirming, emotional, but definitely not maudlin.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Moloka’i?

The book had many memorable moments, but the one that most touched me was when Rachel and Sister Catherine saw their first airplane.

Have you listened to any of Anne Noelani Miyamoto’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No - there was a great deal to absorb emotionally.

Any additional comments?

I'm recommending this one to my friends.

Preferred the Print Version Over Audiobook

Would you consider the audio edition of Moloka’i to be better than the print version?

I definitely preferred reading the printed version and would recommend borrowing or buying a copy to fully enjoy the experience this historical fiction has to offer.

What did you like best about this story?

This book covers a variety of topics from forced separation, suicide, loss of faith, sex, death, guilt, and other serious topics that a person has to deal with in life.

Did Anne Noelani Miyamoto do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

My only issue with this version is the narrator. Ms. Anne Noelani Miyamoto does a nice job as a narrator but there was something about her narration that I didn't like when she wasn't voicing the characters. When she was voicing the characters she seemed very alive in her voice but other wise her voice was flat and uninspiring. She pronounced the Hawaiian names very well but I didn't like how she sounded bored sometimes during her reading.

Who was the most memorable character of Moloka’i and why?

I would say Sister Catherine was the most memorable character because her struggle with God and the career path she chose seem similar to what I have gone through in my life. I too have lost someone recently that mattered to me and her talking about how death seems to surround her family was how I felt recently. She made me feel better and less alone.

Any additional comments?

I am really glad that I got to listen to this audiobook for free during an Audible 2-for-1 sale. I wasn't sure this story would grab me like it had when I was younger. Even though I prefer the print version I am still glad I was able to listen to the audiobook to know how to pronounce the Hawaiian names.