What is the theme in Moloka'i by Alan Brennert?

Family is a central theme in the story. The novel presents a concept of family that is different from the traditional definition of family being those people related by birth. In this novel the concept of family, called 'ohana by some characters, extends to those people who fulfill the functions of a family member. The practice of forcibly relocating people with leprosy strained the ties of family and earned leprosy the names "the separating sickness" and "the sickness that tears families apart." Faced with feelings of abandonment and isolation, many people reach out and form new groups, which offer mutual support. These groups provide the feelings of security and belonging that a traditional family would provide.