Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
“Marveled at how two souls - two completely different species - could make each other so happy. If you were kind to animals, they repaid that kindness a thousandfold. People disappointed; animals never did.”
"Daughter of Moloka’i" opens dramatically with the poignant moment when Ruth, the infant daughter of lepers living at the Kalaupapa settlement, is entrusted to the care of a kind-hearted nun. The nun delivers Ruth to an orphanage on the vibrant island of O’ahu, a place filled with both the beauty of Hawaiian culture and the shadows of its past. At just five years old, Ruth is adopted by a loving Japanese family seeking to escape the hardships of their circumstances by moving to California, hoping for a more promising future and a chance to thrive.
However, their dreams are cruelly interrupted. Even before the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the family grapples with prejudice rooted in fear and misunderstanding. Following the attack, America plunges into one of its darkest moments in history, as Ruth's family, alongside thousands of other Japanese Americans, faces systemic injustice. They are forcibly removed from their homes, stripped of their civil liberties, and relocated to an internment camp, where their dignity and rights are disregarded.
What strikes me most about Mr. Brennert's storytelling is his choice to narrate this historical saga from a female perspective, bringing Ruth’s struggles and triumphs to life with sensitivity and depth. As someone who shares his love for animals, I appreciate how he weaves this passion into the narrative, creating moments of connection and empathy. Furthermore, as an admirer of Hawaiian culture, I commend him for his accurate and respectful use of the language, which adds authenticity to the story. This well-researched and emotionally resonant tale is truly a must-read for anyone interested in history and human resilience!
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