The Colony

The Harrowing True Story of the Exiles on Molokai

By: John Tayman

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

In the best-selling tradition of In the Heart of the Sea, The Colony reveals the untold history of the infamous American leprosy colony on Molokai and of the extraordinary people who struggled to survive under the most horrific circumstances.

In 1866, 12 men and women and one small child were forced aboard a leaky schooner and cast away to a natural prison on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Two weeks later, a dozen others were exiled, and then 40 more, and then 100 more. Tracked by bounty hunters and torn screaming from their families, the luckless were loaded into shipboard cattle stalls and abandoned in a lawless place where brutality held sway. Many did not have leprosy, and most of those who did were not contagious, yet all were caught in a shared nightmare. The colony had little food, little medicine, and very little hope. Exile continued for more than a century, the longest and deadliest instance of medical segregation in American history. Nearly 9,000 people were banished to the colony, trapped by pounding surf and armed guards and the highest sea cliffs in the world. Twenty-eight live there still.

John Tayman tells the fantastic saga of this horrible and hopeful place, at one time the most famous community in the world, and of the individuals involved. The narrative is peopled by presidents and kings, cruel lawmen and pioneering doctors, and brave souls who literally gave their lives to help. A stunning cast includes the martyred Father Damien, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London, Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, John Wayne, and more. The result is a searing tale of survival and bravery, and a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and heroism.

©2006 John Tayman (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Tayman's crisp, flowing writing and inclusion of personal stories and details make this an utterly engrossing look at a heartbreaking chapter in Hawaiian history." (Booklist)
"Drawing on contemporary sources and eyewitness accounts of the still surviving members of the colony, Tayman has created a fitting monument to the strength and character of the castoffs in particular, and human beings as a whole." (Publishers Weekly)

Excellent story excellent performance

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written with great details of history. The performance was excellent. This is a must read for all people who love Hawaii and people who love history and more so people who love Hawaiian history. I learned a lot more than I had researched in the past so it was nice to enhance my knowledge. Aloha

An excellent and well written account

A good account of the history of Lepercy in Hawaii. I highly eccomend this book.

Great audiobook

Another great Audible find. The story is compelling, well constructed and very well written.

Great novel, truly horrible narration

This is a great story of tragedy, perseverance and transcendence. Unfortunately the narrator botched everything with offensive and distracting “voices” drawn on bad stereotypes for every direct quote and point of dialogue. My recommendation is read don’t listen to this one

Hawaii's Darker Side

It's one thing to have an island paradise. It's another thing to see how it's darker edges are turned under.
Hawaii itself is a story about imperialism and religious bullying. It's interesting and terribly sad for many reasons.This is perhaps it's saddest story, well told.