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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
Julie Otsuka has a particular style, which I really enjoy, but does get somewhat repetitive (I’ve read three of her books this summer). Overall I’d recommend this.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This was very interesting read and also a quick one at that. I could read the whole thing in a day plus many things googled and researched in the process. It shone more light onto a part of history I don't know much about and also lead to interesting conversations with some people around me.
The writing style in the beginning really sucked me in and it reminds me of writers such as Mitch Albom. It's a very simple style and therefore very accessible.
The writing style in the beginning really sucked me in and it reminds me of writers such as Mitch Albom. It's a very simple style and therefore very accessible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry
((via audiobook))
this book is a classic for a reason. a perfectly lyrical/poetic look at the japanese life coming to america during a time period of uncertainty and subsequent hostility. some people dislike the writing of this book due to it's use of odd narration and implicit characters. i think these actually add to the story-telling and are used very well.
unfortunately, i think this also led to my only issue with the story ass it progresses. in the beginning, the collective subject is well-defined yet intricate and open. as the book progresses, the story becomes de-centralized around these women an more diffuse. i am sure this is on purpose, but at times detracted from the very strong opening.
a short read so defo recommend!!
this book is a classic for a reason. a perfectly lyrical/poetic look at the japanese life coming to america during a time period of uncertainty and subsequent hostility. some people dislike the writing of this book due to it's use of odd narration and implicit characters. i think these actually add to the story-telling and are used very well.
unfortunately, i think this also led to my only issue with the story ass it progresses. in the beginning, the collective subject is well-defined yet intricate and open. as the book progresses, the story becomes de-centralized around these women an more diffuse. i am sure this is on purpose, but at times detracted from the very strong opening.
a short read so defo recommend!!
An interesting book with clear limitations. By focusing on a collective of picture brides the author is able to paint a picture of life might have been like for Japanese-Americans more broadly than focusing on any one individual's experiences. On the other side however the lack of any characters or individual fates to relate to drives in a gaping chasm between the reader (at least in my case) and the stories that are being told. It's like reading 20 book summaries but not a single book. It feels surface level, like an endlessly ongoing list of variables being counted down and at the end nothing sticks out as particularly strong or memorable. The reading experience a fleeting collection of a lot of things, connected by a theme and background that is the only thing holding this book together.
dark
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Sexual assault
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
fast-paced
Haunting and beautiful: The gorgeous prose draws you in, and then the story begins. Captivating. Multiple voices blend together to tell of heartache and struggle, of lost love and lost souls. Breathtaking in a way that leaves you silent long after the last word.