More from Brennert

Continuing along the lines of fun Hawaiian reads...

Title: Molokai
Author: Alan Brennert
My start date: 9/16/10
My finish date: 9/19/10
Book count: 51/100

Much of what I have to say about this work has already been said in the previous post. They are very similar works. However, there were a few differences in this novel that I will touch on briefly.

As with the previous novel, I would again strongly recommend this one. I will say, however, that I liked Honolulu much better. This isn't entirely surprising, as this was his first work and the other came later. Generally, authors get better at what they are doing the more experience they have, just like anyone else.

One difference between the two works that I want to point out is that this one is written in the third person perpective and not directly in the voice of the main character. It surprises me that I prefer the feel of the text written in first person more than this text in third. That is surprising, because as I discussed in my previous post, you would not anticipate Brennert to be able to write convincingly in such a different voice, much less to write so convincingly that it is preferable to other styles. But that is the case. I liked the more intimate perspective better.

Another factor might have been the subject material. While I found it fascinating, and ultimately loved the story, the storyline of the other work seemed lighter in contrast to that of this work, in which the lead character is diagnosed with Hanson's Disease (at the time called leprosy) at the tender age of seven. The story is undeniably beautiful and at times quite powerful, but just not as light as his later work.

However, all of that being said, these differences are only minute and certainly in no way stop me from adding this work to my list of recommendations! The imagery of a bygone Hawaii is too good to resist! Brennert's Hawaii is that of the vintage posters and oldtime luaus that we think of when we dream of Hawaii. Classic.

Alas, all vacations must come to an end, and so we move on to the next book in our list!

Keep reading!
Sarah