July Literary Layover Club

Join us in Hawaii for our book Moloka'I by Alan Brennert. This story tells the story of Rachel Kalama, a young Hawaiian girl diagnosed with leprosy in the 1890s and sent to the isolated settlement of Kalaupapa on the island of Moloka'i. The book follows her life as she finds a new family and community, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of significant Hawaiian history, including the overthrow of the monarchy and the annexation by the U.S. It is praised for its historical richness, emotional depth, and portrayal of Hawaiian culture, focusing on the strength of the human spirit rather than just the tragedy of the disease.