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Larry Goldstein
Lokahi
267 Posts |
 Posted - 04/02/2008 : 11:02:08 AM
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Recently I finished a very good book that I thought would have been discussed on TP. However, I did a search and the author’s name didn’t pop up.
The book is Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. It is an historical fiction of one person’s life story at Kanaupapa. Based on extensive research, the author describes life in Hawai’i from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, and specifically the evolution of Kanaupapa.
Although well written, this novel is not an easy read. It is a sad and tragic tale of how leprosy was viewed and the people who had it. Yet it is also a story of triumph and the human spirit. If you don’t mind a good cry, I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Hawaiian history.
Here’s a quick link to a distributor, but I try to support my local bookstore.
http://www.amazon.com/Molokai-Alan-Brennert/dp/0312304358\
Larry
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Edited by - Larry Goldstein on 04/02/2008 11:04:47 AM |
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hwnmusiclives
`Olu`olu
USA
580 Posts |
Posted - 04/02/2008 : 11:18:47 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Larry Goldstein
Recently I finished a very good book that I thought would have been discussed on TP. However, I did a search and the author’s name didn’t pop up.
The book is Moloka’i by Alan Brennert. It is an historical fiction of one person’s life story at Kanaupapa. Based on extensive research, the author describes life in Hawai’i from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, and specifically the evolution of Kanaupapa.
Although well written, this novel is not an easy read. It is a sad and tragic tale of how leprosy was viewed and the people who had it. Yet it is also a story of triumph and the human spirit. If you don’t mind a good cry, I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Hawaiian history.
Here’s a quick link to a distributor, but I try to support my local bookstore.
http://www.amazon.com/Molokai-Alan-Brennert/dp/0312304358\
Larry
I bought this book and it continues to sit unread on my shelf years later. Thanks for renewing my interest in it.
To be honest, I bought it after its "hot" factor had expired and had already become a "cut out" or "remainder." I picked it up at Barnes and Noble or Border's for about $4.99.
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Join me for the history of Hawaiian music and its musicians at Ho`olohe Hou at www.hoolohehou.org. |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 04/02/2008 : 11:38:30 AM
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I read it a while back. It was a very emotional read. It absolutely amazes me in so many ways to hear the story of people who were forced to go Kalaupapa. The way their families were torn apart. The way they were treated like lab rats. The way they were not afforded even the smallest sense of human dignity. And then, those who found life partners and had children, only to have those children taken from them. There is so much in that history that seems inconceivable to me, but there it is, in your face.
I think anyone who has love for Hawai`i should read it. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 04/02/2008 2:18:43 PM |
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GUke
Lokahi
188 Posts |
Posted - 04/02/2008 : 12:56:11 PM
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Loved reading this book even though it shows how society for better and mostly worse deals with an incurable disease. Until thereʻs a breakthrough in prevention, successful treatment of the symptoms, or a cure, society can get ugly. Itʻs easy to forget the feelings of those suffering -- victims of the disease and their families -- when youʻre looking to protect yourself and your family. Research which too can show its inhumanity has made its dent on life threatening diseases. There are a lot of difficult choices to make.
But as pointed out this book also shows the fight of the human spirit and always the hope for a better life.
My respect and admiration to the real people who were touched by this disease, and to those who found a vocation to take care of them.
I too highly recommend this book.
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Genaro
Should I? Itʻs only $, and where Iʻm going itʻll burn or melt. |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2008 : 2:59:54 PM
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| Good Book -- easy but painful read |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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kealii
Aloha
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2008 : 12:57:18 AM
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| Re Kalaupapa - there are only a few (20 or so) remaining "patients", most of whom are living at Hale Mohalu on Oahu due to health issues. I have had the blessing of meeting and interviewing some of them. When I asked one of them what lessons came from the the disease and confinement she said that we should remember that their suffering was great. In her case, her children were taken away after birth due to the disease, and that is just one of the many challenges she faced. There is a lot to learn from these folks - but their numbers are dwindling fast. |
"Geevum ... one more time!" (Gabby) |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2008 : 03:55:55 AM
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These are two more very good books about Moloka`i. One is a biography of a man who still lives Kalaupapa and had every indignity done to him after he was diagnosed with Hansen's disease. This story will make you mad, make you cry and make you rejoice. Also - he plays slack key and there are blurbs about playing with Gabby and Sonny dem.
Ho`opono is about the Mo`o clan settling on Moloka`i, the descendants of the clan and how to live a pono life. Most inspiring.
No Footprints in the Sand - A Memoir of Kalaupapa by Henry Kalalahilimoku Nalaielua ),
HO'OPONO by Jae Lee Pali
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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