Category: History ISBN-10: 1448683424
Type: Non-Fiction
Pages: 125
Copyright: September 2009
ISBN-13: 9781448683420
Saints of Molokai is a nonfiction narrative, telling the story of people with Hansen's disease who were arrested and forced into a lifetime of isolation
When Hawaii was discovered by outsiders, the inhabitants were exposed to all sort os terrible diseases they had never known before.
Leprosy, now knows as Hansen's disease threatened to destroy the islands and a law was passed to separate all people suffering from this disease. Kokuas, people who loved a diseased one and went with them into exile were treated the same way as the diseased. Father Damien and Mother Marianne and her Franciscan sisters volunteered to help the exiles. The sign Abondon all hope oh you who enter here turned a Paradise into a hello and enough Aloha and compassion turned this ell pabk into a paradise.
Excerpt
The exiles who were strong enough prepared soil for planting, removed stones and planted seeds. They tended the animals, gathered seaweed and fished. Still there was not enough food. At one time the only food they had was two cases of biscuits.
Some patients were so hungry they broke into other patient’s huts looking for something to eat. Someone asked Leparat, “Why doesn’t the government feed us until we go home? We should be going home soon.”
“You are never going home.” Leparat said. There was a heavy silence. Then everyone began screaming and shouting. Some men rushed towards Leparat. He pulled his gun and the exiles stood staring at him, then turned and walked away.
Professional Reviews
Review of Saints of Molokai by Marilyn Blum
The Saints of Molokai is a straightforward compilation of the devastation, isolation and profound courage leprosy brought to its victims and those “Saints” who volunteered and gave their lives to help them. On the beautiful island of Molokai, a paradox was being played out. Like soldiers in a war, the heroism and palpable suffering of all mentioned in this true story is a touching and heartfelt read. Father Damien and the countless others who gave their lives willingly can only give pause to the true meaning of life. After I read the last page I was left with inspiration and a tear. Marilyn Blum
Want to review or comment on this book?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviews for "Saints of Molokai"
Reviewed by Marilyn Blum
10/27/2009
The Saints of Molokai is a straightforward compilation of the devastation, isolation and profound courage leprosy brought to its victims and those “Saints” who volunteered and gave their lives to help them. On the beautiful island of Molokai, a paradox was being played out. Like soldiers in a war, the heroism and palpable suffering of all mentioned in this true story is a touching and heartfelt read. Father Damien and the countless others who gave their lives willingly can only give pause to the true meaning of life. After I read the last page I was left with inspiration and a tear. Marilyn Blum
325 letters my father wrote to my mother during his time in World War II.
Woven together in a timeline of events of three of his brothers, 5 brothers-in-law, and one cousin, all 10 of them were in WWII at the same time.
325 letters my father wrote to my mother during his time in World War II.
Woven together in a timeline of events of three of his brothers, 5 brothers-in-law, and one cousin, all 10 of them were in WWII at the same time.
