Molokai: The Story of Father Damien

by Hilde Eynikel

The story of Damien De Veuster, a nineteenth century Belgian priest who was sent as a missionary to Hawaii. It has been translated into English from Dutch and recounts how De Veuster became involved with the members of a leper colony, tried to improve their lives, angered his church in doing so and then died of leprosy himself.

Genres: Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Hilde Eynikel is een Vlaamse schrijfster.

Hilde Eynikel in de Nederlandstalige Wikipedia

Reviews

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this book so going in the middle with 3 stars.
I believe as it appears to me this book was originally in another language so the translation to English makes the book language seem simpler than it was probably meant. This Father is now a Saint and rightfully so, he did not agree with the treatment of people with leper. It appears people of the church did not always approve or even like him for his actions, but his empathy and love for sick people was extraordinary!

[Marie Greaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s hard to rate this book for the simple reason that it’s a work of non-fiction. Treating it as such, I’d have to say it seems a most complete history, but it was boring to read at times, possibly as a result of it having been translated from the Dutch.
So as a good read, well, no I’m giving it a 3.
But if you want every detail of Fr Damien’s work among the lepers and the constant battles with and among his superiors, colleagues and Hawaiian authorities, this is probably the book,

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story, but it was a difficult read.

[Anne Edmunds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit the first time I'd ever heard of Damien of Molokai was on an episode of "This Old House." Then again, when I heard that a movie had been made with BOTH Sam Neill and David Wenham... the film is more or less based on this book.

This is a fascinating story of a fascinating and controversial life. However, I believe the translation into English is a bit dodgy, leaving the book with a simplistic feel that I don't think it had in the origina. I believe it was in Dutch... not certain of that, though. But sometimes it's vague and the terminology seems unsure of itself.

Good though, I've read it twice as I find his selfless life very inspirational.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, which was also made into a movie, draws such a clear picture of Father (now saint) Damien that we learn lessons we weren't expecting. Yes, he was kind. dedicated and loving to the lepers he served on Molokai. However, the other side of him doesn't fit the goody-two-shoes vision we have of a saint. He could be obstreperous and a real pain in the neck when trying to get the materials to meet the needs of his patients. He was not well-liked by the church people who got in his way. May we all be more like Father Damien!