Moloka'i
This richly imagined novel, set in Hawai'i more than a century ago, is an extraordinary epic of a little-known time and place---and a deeply moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.
Rachel Kalama, a spirited seven-year-old Hawaiian girl, dreams of visiting far-off lands like her father, a merchant seaman. Then one day a rose-colored mark appears on her skin, and those dreams are stolen from her. Taken from her home and family, Rachel is sent to Kalaupapa, the quarantined leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka'i. Here her life is supposed to end---but instead she discovers it is only just beginning.
With a vibrant cast of vividly realized characters, Moloka'i is the true-to-life chronicle of a people who embraced life in the face of death. Such is the warmth, humor, and compassion of this novel that "few readers will remain unchanged by Rachel's story" (mostlyfiction.com).
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
What Bookclubbers are saying about this book
✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI
Readers say reviews agree that 'Moloka'i' is a beautifully written, emotionally powerful historical novel that offers a compelling look at life on the...
"God doesn't give anyone leprosy. He gives us, if we choose to use it, the spirit to live with leprosy, and with the imminence of death. Because it is in our own mortality that we are most divine."
Beautifully written historical novel about a leper colony in Hawaii. It’s obvious that the author did a lot of research before writing this book.
Beautifully written historical novel about a leper colony in Hawaii. It’s obvious that the author did a lot of research before writing this book.
I love this book, because despite all the hardships in her life, the main character still manages to be happy and find the good in her life. It also made me want to learn more about the real history of the island. It broke my heart so many times, just to become excited again with the new opportunities. I really liked this book.
If you know anything about Hawaii and it's struggles already - buckle up. This book will take you for another gut wrenching experience that will make you turn pages - not of excitement but of unbelief!
You will never be able to look at Hawaii the same - you put this book down with more respect, and love, and understanding for the native hawaiian islands, it's people, and the struggles they have suffered.
Be prepared if you pick it up - you may never want to travel there again for your holiday vacation - it may ruin it for you - as you will never be there care free again - you will have a much deeper understanding of WHERE you are - and how much more respect you should have when stepping foot on the islands that so many struggle to call home. Best review I could leave without spoiling the book.
You will never be able to look at Hawaii the same - you put this book down with more respect, and love, and understanding for the native hawaiian islands, it's people, and the struggles they have suffered.
Be prepared if you pick it up - you may never want to travel there again for your holiday vacation - it may ruin it for you - as you will never be there care free again - you will have a much deeper understanding of WHERE you are - and how much more respect you should have when stepping foot on the islands that so many struggle to call home. Best review I could leave without spoiling the book.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.