Daughter of Moloka'i: A Novel Hardcover – February 19, 2019

I absolutely loved the first book by Brennert, Moloka'i. It made me cry, it taught me a history I didn't know, and was deeply engrossing. So it was with trepidation that I started reading this sequel. In my opinion, it's a rare sequel that's as good as the original. This one pleasantly surprised me.Daughter of Moloka'i could almost be read as a stand-alone. I say almost, because I believe the story of Rachel in the original is important and provides some background to this book. But you could probably read without it. Daughter of Moloka'i is of course about the daughter of Rachel, the protagonist in the first book. Because of the rules of the colony at Moloka'i, Ruth, the daughter, is sent to an orphanage on a different island at a year old. Here she waits until she is finally adopted by a Japanese couple with three sons, but no daughters. This shapes her life as she grows with them and is ultimately part of the internment camps established by the government during WWII.Is Ruth as likable as her mother as a protagonist? I would say largely, she's a little harsher, a little angrier. But her story is one that resonates with you and arouses sympathy. And her story also introduces you to a part of history, that while it's starting to be taught more, is still a surprise for most Americans to learn. That we had internment camps, and that they weren't as good as the government would have led you to believe, will come as a surprise for some people. The injustice that was met out in them is well described here and even with reparations, cannot truly be forgiven.I found this book a little more rushed than the first. I would have liked to have a more leisurely stroll through Ruth's childhood. The time spent on the descriptions of the camps, and of the later years with the introduction of Rachel was thorough though and I appreciated the detail there. Is it as good as Moloka'i? That one will still rank much higher for me, but this one is good on its own merit.I definitely recommend both the first book and this one. It introduces you to a part of history that is not adequately taught and for that alone it is well worth reading.Review by M. Reynard 2019

I have all of Alan's books. Each one just gets better and better. In order to appreciate "daughter", I re read Molokai and then picked up where it left off. He is a superb writer and has done his research WELL. I am a true lover of Hawaii and anything about it. Have been to top side Molokai once and to Kaluapapa three times via the Damien Tours. Alan has accomplished his story right on. My last visit there were only 32 residents and two passed just before we landed. It is a depressing look at reality and how cruel we can be to each other due to differences. My compliments to the writer for writing these two books even though they are fiction, it hits the truth head on.

DAUGHTER OF MOLOKA’I by Alan BrennertThe long awaited sequel to MOLOKA’I is here! Rachel’s daughter Ruth, taken from her the day Ruth was born, is the main character in this family tale that extends from Hawaii to California to Japanese internment camps and back to California.Brennert excels in incorporating actual people and events into his stories. DAUGHTER OF MOLOKA’I is no exception. The discrimination against Japanese (Rachel is adopted by a Japanese couple) in the early part of the twentieth century, the difficult life of “foreign” farmers in the lush farmland of California and the internment of hapless Japanese during WWII make up the bulk of this novel. The final portion relates the difficulty of adoptees and their birth parents in locating each other and the repercussions that follow. Brennert’s empathy finds expression is his clearly drawn characters, skillful conversations and deft handling of conflict.Book groups will love this historically accurate account of difficult episodes., especially those who have read and loved MOLOKA’I. Groups interested in immigration/emigration issues will find much to discuss.5 of 5 stars

I've read many books about the Hansen's Disease settlement in Kalaupapa, Moloka'i. I recently re-read this novel just prior to traveling to Kalaupapa for the first time. This novel provided me with a clear, yet sensitive lens for understanding the ways in which patients and "healthy" family members experienced Hansen's Disease as a sickness of separation.I appreciated many aspects of this book but especially, the storyline that placed the Kalaupapa experience side-by-side with the experience of WWII internment of Japanese Americans. Indeed, this was a very powerful reminder that the sickness of separation from home and family occurs in a range of historical events. This caused me to think of other, more contemporary examples of separation sickness--notably, that of separating Latino children from their parents at the Mexico-U.S. Border. "Daughter of Moloka'i" reminded that there is still much to do in the arena of compassionate treatment of separating sicknesses wherever they occur.

What a disappointment. I loved Honolulu and Moloka’i and was so excited there was finally to be a new book by this author. It is hard to believe this is the same author. The writing is poor; trite phrases abound. The plot and story could be wonderful if not for the poor writing. I listened to part of it on audible but had to give up as the reader was so enamoured with using different voices for each character that it almost became more of the focus than the story itself.

This follow up book entranced me as much as Moloka'i, it's predecessor.The subtle, beautiful, powerful words that wove the reality of a small child who didn't quite fit into any culture and whose past was a mystery to her, is sensitively written. The struggle to fit in, to understand and later find a way to live kept me reading throughout the night.I would suggest reading Moloka'i first, to give greater context to this novel, but it isn't essential

This is very well written and researched book wich had me going through mixed emotions. I love the way it started and knew I would like it. The descriptions of Hawaii are incredible and make you want to take the first plane out there! I learnt a lot about both Hawaiian and Japanese cultures, which I knew little about and especially about the plight of Nisei and Isei during WW2. I had driven past the Manzanar camp whilst in California some years ago, and must definitely visit next time I return to this state. When you read this, then Moloka'i a must, relating the story of Ruth's mother Rachel, who was suffering from Hansen's disease and was shipped to Moloka'i. Both books will remain with me for a long time.

having already read Molokai i had to read the next instalment which l have thoroughly enjoyed also i cannot wait for his next book thank you Alan for the enjoyment your books have given me

Lovely book. Followed on well from Molokai. thoroughly enjoyed.

Lovely book. I learnt so much about American social history