No Footprints in the Sand: A Memoir of Kalaupapa

Henry Nalaielua with Sally-Jo Bowman
Watermark Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9780977914302
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (3/06)

This is an amazing story.  It is Henry’s story.  Henry Nalielua, diagnosed with Hansen’s disease at the age of ten, was branded leprous.  “No Footprints in the Sand” is an important memoir.  It tells of the journey that took Henry from a sugar plantation community on the Island of Hawaii to Kalaupapa, a remote settlement on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

Nalaielua’s story is inspiring.  Even in exile, with lifelong medical and physical challenges and isolation from his family, he faced life with hope, perseverance, courage, and humor.  Henry learned to draw and paint. He became an artist.  Henry loved music and mastered the ukulele and upright bass.  He became a musician. Henry’s mind was sharp.  He was determined and quick-to-learn. He became an historian. Henry has also served on numerous public agency advisory boards. When the facility at Kalaupapa was named a National Historic Park, Henry became a guide for park visitors.  He still resides at Kalaupapa

Co-author Sally-Jo Bowman worked determinedly over a period of years to help bring Henry's story to publication. She first met Henry in 1995, when he helped her with on-site research at Kaluapapa for several magazine articles about the Hansen's disease colony.

Henry’s story is unforgettable.  It is told with intimacy and openness.  “No Footprints in the Sand” is a heartwarming memoir that will inspire anyone facing adversity, long term illness, or needing encouragement.  This was a very positive reading experience.

Make comment on weblog