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Moloka’i  By  cover art

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)

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What listeners say about Moloka’i

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Excellent

Well written story of a girl and her interrelationships with those like herself on Moloka'i.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A little slow to start - but very engaging.

Would you listen to Moloka’i again? Why?

Yes, I plan on listening to it again. We are going to Hawaii for Christams and I wanted to listen to a fiction book that took place there. It was a good book, performed very well and gave me some history in an entertaining way.

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  • Overall
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loved this book

this is a fantastic story. tears your heart out put it back in nurses you back the strength and tears it out again.

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  • Overall
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Great Story with a history lesson

If you could sum up Moloka’i in three words, what would they be?

Hawaiis Leprosy history

What did you like best about this story?

The depth of character

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

Her vocals and accent were perfect for this story

Any additional comments?

I love a story with a little history

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Read this!

Would you listen to Moloka’i again? Why?

I never plan on listening to any of my books again and then, as I am scrolling through my library, I see a title that I listened to a few years back and once again I am drawn to it. I am sure this will be one such book.

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

When she heard her daughters voice on the phone, very emotional.

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

The gentleness of her voice, very easy to listen to. It was listening to the sample she read that convinced me to purchase this book.

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

I love this title so I can't think of one that would be better.

Any additional comments?

YES, purchase this book! I almost didn't. I put in on my wish list and thought several times about whether to purchase it or not. I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear about the pain and suffering I knew in this book but I was drawn in by the cover as well as the title, then I listened to the sample and that convinced me. I am so glad I did! This story took me so many places in my head and my heart.

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From one who visited The colony in 1968

I visited the colony in 1968 after reading Hawaii by James Michener. I was intrigued by my visit but this novel fills in the additional magnitude of the feelings of those who were the residents. I highly recommend this book .... Wonderfully done!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Must

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It's a great story and you really fell the pain and life that the people had to live.

What did you like best about this story?

That it was read to you by a local. It made you feel the pain and the joy. I spent 8 years in Hawaii and you could picture what and where they were. It was told very well.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are too many to pick just one. When the girls went to the party, then surfing

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

Rachael ! You watched her go from a young girl happy to being cast off to becoming a women and then meeting her daughter and the end

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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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