This is a very good book. I could see the pain in Emi-san's eyes and hear Jun stutter. It felt like I was there. I have read books by other Japanese writers, but sometimes they is hard to understand. Hiroko Sherwin writes of the Japanese life but it is understandable. This is a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
I was put off by the style of writing. Almost too simplistic. However plowed through to the end with great reward. Everyday people living everyday lives to what end. You figure it out. It made me want to be very thoughtful about how I vote in any election.
Amazing book. The story showing the struggles and life of the Japanese during a very changing time in their history. Wonderfully written and so poignant. This is a book that will have you recalling it often.
Loved it !! Authentic Japanese phrases and customs....great read!!
I like the setting of the story, but I think the story leaves a lot of the characters in the air.
This was a superb historic novel. The characters were well developed and I quickly empathized with them. The story was told from a Japanese perspective by an author who spent the early part of her life experiencing many of the scenarios she describes. Not only does the reader become to understand Japanese culture, but also Japan's attempts at becoming the leading Asian power in the world.
