finished 05.03.09

Trying to decide which I liked better: Moloka’i by O.A. Bushnell (read in 2007) or Moloka’i by Alan Brennert (finished this week). Both books are set are set in the period of Hawaiian history when people who suffered from Hansen’s Disease (back then known as leprosy) were taken forcibly from friends and family and exiled to the Hawaiian island of Moloka’i. Bushnell’s book was set earlier in history when Father Damien de Veuster, the famous Belgian priest who cared for the sufferers of Hansen’s disease, lived on the island. Brennert’s book references that time period but is set after it. Also, Bushnell’s book was published in 1975, whereas Brennert’s book was published last year. Bushnell’s book, I remember thinking, feels more formal, or traditional. .. i don’t know.. whereas Brennert’s book it written more modernly. But I will say, Brennert’s book is a little more fluffy at times.

[Read more →]