Episode 14: Moloka'i

In this episode of Booked and Banned, we look at AlanBrennert’s international bestseller, Moloka'i. The novel spans nearly a century of Hawaiian history, seen through the eyes of a young girl exiled to the Kalaupapa leprosy settlement. We explore how this story of resilience highlights the human spirit’s ability to flourish even under the shadow of state-mandated exile.Rosemarie is a technology leader who first brought this novel to our attention during a shared book club. Having lived in Hawai'i and visited the island of Moloka'i, Rosemarie brings a personal connection to the history and geography of the novel. We discuss why she felt this story was essential reading for the club and the deep emotional impact of exploring Hawaiian history through Rachel's eyes.A Love Letter to the Islands: We explore how the novel serves as a beautiful tribute to the landscape, culture, and spirit ofHawai'i, capturing the vibrancy of a kingdom in transition.The Double Tragedy: How the novel balances the physical toll of disease with the cultural and emotional toll of forced exile.The Missionary Paradox: A nuanced look at the role of the Catholic Church, including Father Damien and Mother Marianne Cope. We examine how missionary efforts provided essential infrastructure while simultaneously imposing Western strictures that often marginalized Hawaiian traditions.The Cycle of Separation: A discussion on the heartbreaking historical reality of children born in the settlement beingimmediately removed from their parents, and how Rachel experiences this trauma as both a child and a mother.Humanity Beyond the Medical: Why portraying the fullspectrum of Rachel’s life—her relationships, her grief, and her joy—is vital to acknowledging her as a complete human being.Redefining Family: How the residents of Kalaupapa built a vibrant community (ohana) when their biological families were stripped away, and what that teaches modern readers about isolation, altruism, and the necessity of being uncomfortable to truly learn.Join us for our next episode as we discuss our first children's book, the controversial and heavily debated Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman.