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)

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.

Moloka'i...sad, haunting and throughly entertaining

The story was excellent. Narrator brought the characters to life. Thank you for presenting such a fascinating story about a period of time, the disease of leprosy and an island about which I have very little knowledge. I recommend the reader open a brand new box of tissue for wiping your tears and blowing your nose as you listen to the hardships of Rachael, the main character in the book.
Warmly, Marilyn Cohn

Life and Death at a Much Slower Pace

Who was your favorite character and why?

It would be easy for Rachel to be my favorite character, but I must profess a preference for Sister Catherine. Her calling and her doubt, her love and her loyalty, endear her all the more to me.

Which character – as performed by Anne Noelani Miyamoto – was your favorite?

The narrator did an amazing performance of Rachel's father. She captured his deep and abiding love for his family and his kolohe (rascal) spirit so perfectly in her accent and timing. You can almost see Henry's smile through her narration.

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

I laughed and wept so many times throughout this reading. As an Island girl myself, the descriptions of life, family, and the islands were so easily recognizable in my own memories. Rachel's astonishment at the reveal of her friends 'secret' was so honest that it tickled me for days.

Any additional comments?

I've read so many poor reviews about the pacing of this story. Readers are best warned that the pacing is reflective of a time when life moved much more slowly. It is not the fault of the story, nor the narrator, that time is spent describing things that are flat-out overlooked in modern life. Take the time to slow down and appreciate the thoughtful observations, and the careful cultivation of the characters and the story.

Classically Touching

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

Yes. The book is quite touching and the writing is good. The narration is very good as well.

What did you like best about this story?

The expansive exploration of hard human emotions while keeping the rhythm

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

The native touch

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

I did! No details, though. Sorry! :)

Any additional comments?

While the form is quite classical, the writer managed to keep a good grip on me and have me enjoy the novel. He managed as well to keep the structure from sagging despite the long timeline he is dealing with.

excellent! !! true to history

well developed characters and plot with vivid description of geography religion and culture of the region

Captivating and educational story. Excellent performance

Great book. Transported me to new lands with excellent vivid descriptions.
Teaches/reminds us to look at people beyond their physical appearance and not to be too hasty to judge others.