Moloka’i is the story of Rachel, a 7 year old girl that has come down with leprosy. Her symptoms are recognized and called out by local Hawaiians. Before she knows it she is torn from her family and sent to Kalaupapa on the island of Moloka’i. There, she is quarantined on a leprosy settlement and is struggles to make new friends and family.
The story is a coming of age and filled with touching moments of compassion and warmth. I found many parts of the story humorous. Rachel finds herself in several difficult situations that are unsettling. One in particular reads like a horror novel with adult content. While I received this book as a gift from my young adult daughter I would be specific on which chapters to use with children in middle school years for studies; A particular chapter involves inappropriate sexual conduct.
There are many lessons and teaching points throughout the story. There are leprosy challenges with discrimination. The story is visually graphic with scenes of violence and disturbing moments that deal with trauma and war.
Moloka’i is based in parts fiction and non-fiction. The details of history are intact and had me reaching for history books which I’ll admit was one of the best parts of reading this story; discovering more about Hawaii.
The story covers Rachel’s entire life. I found intimate moments in the 1920s, and difficulties World War II affected Rachel. Religious elements are also covered as Rachel is taken in by a convent. There are so many discoveries within the story that will enlighten and have the reader googling and researching for fact checks and knowledge.
Mild spoiler: The eventual love that unfolds in Moloka’i is fantastically developed, emotional and tragic. The relationship of Rachel and Kenji is romantically wistful as a separate story.
All the characters in Moloka’i are memorable. From the sisters of the convent to the locals of the island to her new family. Moloka’i is riveting and memorable. I was sad to finish it.
esj poetry 