Book Review: Moloka'i

A few days ago I wrote to tell you all that I was hooked on this book:

I stayed up Friday night until I finished it. I was up until almost four a.m. and could not put it down. Here's my review.

Moloka'i is the story of Rachel. We meet her when she is a six year old living in Honolulu at the end of the nineteenth century. She is the youngest of four children and has a close relationship with her father, who is a merchant seaman. Over the course of the book we realize just how important her relationship with her father is. One day a blemish appears on her skin that does not heel. Her mother is of course very concerned and tries to hide it. Eventually she is sent to the clinic at Kahili on O'ahu for tests to determine if she has leprosy. She is taken from her family to live at the Kalaupapa colony which is on the more remote island of Moloka'i. Everyone who is sent here has been given up on and it is assumed they have already died, for all intents and purposes.

The author writes with such love and poignancy about her sense of loss and grief at being separated from her family at such a young age. The way little Rachel has to learn about death, which is all around her, is so well written and at the same time the family she builds while separated from her own is beautiful and touching.

The book follows her from childhood to adulthood and chronicles the life that was lived at Kalaupapa. Much of this is very well researched and based on historical accounts. The reader learns about the culture of the islands that are so engrained in the patients and the culture of the Westerners that were placed upon them. Rachel never fails to be determined to live her life despite her disease. Her spirit and that of those around her is so determined. Over the course of her life she experiences great losses, but also great loves. And, the author has such a great way of writing the emotion and letting the reader experience what lives were like in early twentieth century Hawai'i.

I literally couldn't put this book down. It was so engrossing to read of Rachel and her struggles and triumphs. To know her from a little girl who you just want to cradle and comfort to a woman who you feel you would have been privileged to know I was so taken in the writing. The author is a wonderful story teller.

I'd love to find someone else who has read, or is reading, Moloka'i to discuss it with. If you enjoy reading about the human spirit and the strength it can give a person you will enjoy this book. I have always loved to read stories about real times and places and this book has taught me a lot about the Kaulapapa colony on the island of Moloka'i and I don't think I'll ever look at the subject matter again. I highly recommend this book.

Also, if you have any suggestions for my next read, I'd love to hear them.