Review by Julie J.
If you are looking for a novel that catches you in the first chapter, and doesn’t let go, this is it. Moloka’i is a story that sticks with you long after you have read it and you will find yourself recommending it to everyone around you. This book tells the story of a girl taken from her home and family in Honolulu at a young age, and sent to Kalaupapa, a leprosy colony on the island of Moloka’i, Hawaii, during the 1890s. This book is both historically informative, and emotionally crushing. It gives a glimpse into the community reaction towards leprosy and notes many events of historical significance. Mostly, though, you will fall in love with the main character as she makes and loses friends, finds love and ultimately embraces the idea that life isn’t over until it’s over.
