Books Like...

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Rachel, a young girl diagnosed with leprosy in 1891 and sent to live in a leper colony on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i. The book spans from 1891 to 1970 and provides rich historical detail about Hawaiian history, the leper colony, and the medical condition known as Hansen's disease. Through the eyes of Rachel, the reader experiences the beauty and ugliness of the colony, showcasing both the humanity of those afflicted by the disease and the struggles they faced in a very difficult situation. The novel captures the triumph of the human spirit and explores themes of family, love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

'Honolulu' by Alan Brennert follows the life of Jin, a Korean girl who becomes a picture bride to escape her confining life in Korea. Upon arriving in Hawaii, she discovers that her new husband is abusive, leading her to find the strength to break free and create a new life for herself. Set against the backdrop of Hawaii in the early 1900s, the story explores Jin's journey of resilience, determination, and friendship as she navigates through the struggles and successes of building a new life in a foreign land. Brennert's writing style vividly portrays the historical setting and the challenges faced by Jin and other characters, making the reader feel immersed in the story.

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings tells the story of Matt King, a descendant of Hawaiian royalty, who must navigate the challenges of caring for his two daughters as his wife, Joanie, lies in a coma. The book delves into the complexities of family dynamics, grief, and the unexpected revelations that arise during times of crisis. The plot weaves together themes of love, loss, and the struggle to connect with one's family members in the face of adversity. The writing style is described as poignant, funny, and engaging, with a focus on developing realistic and flawed characters that readers can relate to.

'Paradise News' by David Lodge follows the story of Bernard, a former Catholic priest traveling to Hawaii with his father to visit his dying aunt, Ursula. Throughout the journey, Bernard encounters various characters who play minor roles but contribute to his personal growth and understanding of life. Lodge vividly portrays Hawaii through Bernard's eyes, exploring themes of family, faith, and cultural differences. The story is a mix of humor, introspection, and character development, leaving readers intrigued by Bernard's experiences and relationships in a new setting.

Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert follows the life of Ruth, the daughter of Rachel from the first book in the series. Ruth is taken from her parents at a young age and grows up in a Hawaiian orphanage before being adopted by a Japanese couple and moving to California. The book covers Ruth's journey through World War II, including her time in Japanese internment camps, and explores themes of racism, family struggles, and love. The novel is praised for its vivid descriptions of historical events and cultures, as well as its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers.

'Song of the Exile' by Kiana Davenport is a powerful and intricate story set in The South Pacific during WWII, showcasing the human capacity for suffering, compassion, survival, and the influence of music, storytelling, and Hawaiian culture in finding meaning and purpose in life. The narrative delves into the lives of two Hawaiian families impacted by the war, exploring themes of love, loss, family, forgiveness, and revenge. The detailed and informative writing style of the author vividly portrays the atrocities suffered by women during WWII, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of the characters in the face of adversity.

The Lion Seeker by Kenneth Bonert is a historical fiction novel that follows the Jewish Helger family's journey from Lithuania to South Africa in the 1920s, escaping the horrors of pogroms and seeking a better life. The story revolves around the main character, Isaac Helger, as he navigates the challenges of life in Johannesburg in the 1930s and 1940s, dealing with violence, love, betrayal, and the complexities of the society he is a part of. The book portrays the struggles of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania amidst the backdrop of anti-Semitism, apartheid, and the looming threat of Nazi Germany.

Bonert's writing style in The Lion Seeker is described as rich, vivid, and detailed, effectively capturing the historical setting and the emotions of the characters. The narrative weaves together multiple languages and dialects, providing a unique portrayal of different ethnic groups and their interactions in South Africa during that time period.

"Shark Dialogues" by Kiana Davenport centers on Pono, an aging matriarch of a fractured family in Hawaii. The story follows Pono's relationships with her estranged daughters and granddaughters, exploring themes of mixed racial identity, Hawaiian history, and cultural struggles. Davenport weaves a narrative spanning the history of the Hawaiian Islands, focusing on the injustices faced by the Hawaiian people and the immigrant populations, all told from a woman's perspective. delves into the challenges of reconciling with the past, finding one's place in a complex world, and the enduring power of family ties.

Typee by Herman Melville is a novel based on the author's experiences when he jumped ship from an American whaling vessel and found himself in the Marquesas Islands. The book presents a narrative of being held by a cannibal tribe, the Typee, and offers a detailed look at island life through the eyes of the protagonist. Melville's writing style combines themes of peace, beauty, and sensuality with a critique of Western intruders, creating a nuanced portrayal of the earthly paradise that gradually turns into a tale of dread, loneliness, and fear.

Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie is a sweeping novel that spans multiple generations and continents, starting with the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. The story follows the life of Hiroko Tanaka, a Japanese woman who moves to India after the bomb, then to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and finally to New York post-9/11. Through Hiroko's journey, the book explores themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and the impact of war on individuals and families. The writing style is described as lyrical and emotive, painting vivid pictures of historical events and personal emotions.