👶👶👶 Moloka'i, by Alan Brennert

I really struggled with the rating on this review. While the author did an excellent job with his research, I feel as though he tried to accomplish too much. The novel encompasses the main character's entire life span, which in and of itself is a tall order. Add to that, the back story of many of her friends & family, Hawaiian political history, and Pearl Harbor & the book was overflowing with details, many of which were inconsequential to the story.

While I appreciate the author's ability to create a rich tapestry of events, I feel as though the same goal could have been accomplished with less elaboration.

Having said that, I truly enjoyed learning so much about leprosy. Having been so uneducated on the subject, I found the history of it fascinating and devastating all at once. I also enjoyed Rachel's journey, for the most part, sans the impertinent information. Her relationships and struggles were significant, but I felt less emotion than expected, perhaps because, sadly, I felt little connection to the characters.

Read 6/9/13