Moloka’i

By: Alan Brennert

Narrated by: Anne Noelani Miyamoto

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)

Page turner

Excellent narrator; story is superb, didn't want it to end! Excellent blend of history and fiction.

Beautiful tragic tale of 1860-1960 Hawaii!

Where does Moloka’i rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

High, this is well written, historically correct, and characters are well developed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There are so many, Rachel, Henry, Kenji, Katherine

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

No, but I love her voice and the natural cadence of her voice, just beautiful to listento.

If you could take any character from Moloka’i out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Uncle Pono, he was so funny and so loving...if I could include Henry we'd have a party!

Any additional comments?

This book will engage you, educate you, introduce you to Hawaiian Culture, make you laugh out loud, cry through a box of tissues and leave you wrung out. I loved every word.

great history lesson through fiction

I had never known anything about the history of Moloka'i. The story was both an intriging story and a history lesson at the same time. I didn't want it to end.

Incredibly moving

This book is a new favorite of mine. I could see myself going back to read it again which is something I never do. It’s been one year since my mothers passing. This book accounts beautifully the wonders of life and the sorrows of grief.

I loved this book. Profound, sad, hopeful ... This book is historical fiction at its best.

One of the best books I've read. I had to read other books afterwards and research related topics since it fed and stoked my desire for knowledge.