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"Moloka'i" • Alan Brennert
“Moloka’i” is an exquisite historical novel, set in Hawaii prior to statehood. From the first chapter, this haunting, tragic story traces the life of a young girl diagnosed with leprosy (now called Hansen’s disease) when she is only 7 years old. Rachel Kalama, the heroine of the story, shows unbelievable resilience and undaunting spirit despite the limitations of her confinement on Kalaupapa, a quarantined leprosy settlement on Moloka’i. The author portrays Rachel’s participation in all the cycles of life. At the same time, the author creates other fully developed characters, such as Sister Catherine, Rachel’s friend Leilani, Rachel’s daughter Ruth and Rachel’s true love Kenji. The book vividly pictures tales of pain, disappointment, isolation, death, community, intimacy and human love.
Kalaupapa peninsula was designated as a National Historical Park in 1980, and its residents were guaranteed the right to remain there as long as they chose. At the time of the book’s publication in 2003, 31 individuals lived in the community at this site. The book is a “must read” for understanding the triumph of the human spirit.
– Marilyn Carlson Aronson, academic dean, National American University
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