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)

A must-read!

Such an incredible book! I haven’t loved a book this much in a very long time. The trials and tribulations of the main character and all other characters were heart wrenching and character development was heart warming.

Touching Historical Fiction

I have to admit I was not aware of this piece of history. I’m also a little puzzled by the many reviews saying it was depressing. I actually found the characters to be the epitome of HOPE. They didn’t give up. They had grit & resiliency. You’ll be inspired by Rachel and her amazing spirit. Yes, what they go through is sad - but their resolve is something you’ll be moved by and not soon forget.

Resilience

I feel like I went through every emotion while reading this book. There was sadness and much happiness. I was so happy that Rachel was able to find her daughter. Rachel’s resilience was inspiring. How Rachel was able to live a full and wonderful life was great. She eventually travelled the world. I enjoyed this book.

Excellent Historical fiction

I had never heard of the history of Moloka'i. it sounded just as a pretty Hawaiian word, yet it has such a deep feeling of loss and simultaneous growth to me now. Rachel Kalama will forever live in my heart. This book is wonderful at expressing emotions yet not clouding the reader's judgement. It is genuinely beautiful.

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