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sarah_reading_party's review
3.0
Overall, I felt that The Picture Bride was a fascinating story. I was intrigued by the history of women brought to Hawaii as brides for the Korean (and Japanese) men working plantations there in the early 1900s. I can't imagine the kind of courage required to set out on such a journey in that era. As I read about Willow, and her friends Hongju and Songhwa I just couldn't imagine myself in their shoes!
Which leads me to the fact that this book was a bit boring at times. Though it is a novel, there was a good bit of straight-up history. It was hard to keep the emotional connection with the characters where there are multiple pages in a row of Korean history (that was honestly a bit hard to follow since it was interspersed with story). I think that the translation of this novel didn't help matters either.
Overall, this book was just okay. I really liked the ending though I would have liked to know even more about Pearl!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Which leads me to the fact that this book was a bit boring at times. Though it is a novel, there was a good bit of straight-up history. It was hard to keep the emotional connection with the characters where there are multiple pages in a row of Korean history (that was honestly a bit hard to follow since it was interspersed with story). I think that the translation of this novel didn't help matters either.
Overall, this book was just okay. I really liked the ending though I would have liked to know even more about Pearl!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
readincolour's review
2.0
The 18 year leap and the story line that accompanies it turned a halfway decent book into a dry one. I'm not sure what compelled the author to make the leap but it just didn't work.
noplacestogo's review
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
amyrobertsonreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bskono321's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
coffmanmolly73's review
4.0
The book begins in 1917 during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Willow is a Korean teenager and is presented with a chance to find a better life in Hawaii as a picture bride. After she and several other Korean girls make the long journey to Hawaii, they discover their husbands were not always truthful, having sent photographs from their younger years or having implied that they were wealthier than they truly were. Willow navigates her new life, frequently drawing strength from the bonds she shares with her fellow picture brides. In addition to adjusting to married life, Willow encounters obstacles related to diverging loyalties in the Korean struggle for independence.
Covering the span of many years, the story is an interesting look into a part of history I was only mildly acquainted with. I felt an attachment to Willow and admired her strength, and I enjoyed seeing how she grew as a woman. As a high school teacher, I enjoy reading historical fiction from different cultures and plan to recommend this book to students as well. It is important for students to see themselves in literature as well as to learn about history that they might not otherwise encounter. While I enjoyed the book overall, I kept waiting for a turning point that never really came; the last part of the book seemed to make an attempt at such a turning point, but I found it somewhat dissatisfying. The book is a translation, which may also impact the writing style; in places, I couldn’t stop at the end of a chapter, but in other places, the writing seems somewhat superficial. Still, I enjoyed the book and the impression these women, especially Willow, have made on me.
Covering the span of many years, the story is an interesting look into a part of history I was only mildly acquainted with. I felt an attachment to Willow and admired her strength, and I enjoyed seeing how she grew as a woman. As a high school teacher, I enjoy reading historical fiction from different cultures and plan to recommend this book to students as well. It is important for students to see themselves in literature as well as to learn about history that they might not otherwise encounter. While I enjoyed the book overall, I kept waiting for a turning point that never really came; the last part of the book seemed to make an attempt at such a turning point, but I found it somewhat dissatisfying. The book is a translation, which may also impact the writing style; in places, I couldn’t stop at the end of a chapter, but in other places, the writing seems somewhat superficial. Still, I enjoyed the book and the impression these women, especially Willow, have made on me.
lattelibrarian's review
4.0
Willow isn't excited to get married so much as she's excited to travel to Hawaii with the prospect of education. Marriage is just the means. She sees a photograph of her future husband, hopes for good luck, and with her parents' best wishes, leaves for Hawaii at the age of 18. Along the way, she meets two more young women who are also considered picture brides. But upon arrival, these two women's husbands look nothing like the photographs they're sent. Willow isn't sure to be sorry for them or thankful that Taewan, her husband, looks similar to his photo.
Bound by duty and the hope for love, she adjusts to this strange new land that she'd been told grew money on trees. Her new family is not cruel to her and she receives a decent stipend with which to grocery shop.
This simple yet eloquent page-turner depicts an interesting time in both US and Korean history in which the US government allowed picture brides to deter Korean workers from drinking and gambling. As Willow comes to terms that her new husband is not a landowner, nor does his family have the means to educate her, she fills her time with embroidery and home-making, which later allows her to run her own business. She may not be educated in the way that she wants, but she is absolutely able to make a living for herself all the same.
A lovely and flowing story, great for those who want historical fiction about women with little brutality.
Bound by duty and the hope for love, she adjusts to this strange new land that she'd been told grew money on trees. Her new family is not cruel to her and she receives a decent stipend with which to grocery shop.
This simple yet eloquent page-turner depicts an interesting time in both US and Korean history in which the US government allowed picture brides to deter Korean workers from drinking and gambling. As Willow comes to terms that her new husband is not a landowner, nor does his family have the means to educate her, she fills her time with embroidery and home-making, which later allows her to run her own business. She may not be educated in the way that she wants, but she is absolutely able to make a living for herself all the same.
A lovely and flowing story, great for those who want historical fiction about women with little brutality.
_askthebookbug's review
4.0
In the early 1900s, the concept of Picture Brides was introduced in America and Hawai'i. Men who had migrated from Japan and Korea were single and indulged in drinking and gambling after working hours and to curb this activity, the American government approved brides to enter the State. The situation in Korea was very disorderly at the time what with Korea being under the Japanese rule. Poverty was at its peak and families survived with only one meal and so when they heard of picture brides, they dreamt of their daughters living a better life abroad.
When Willow is shown her groom’s picture, she is told that he is a landowner in Hawai'i and if she married him, she could even continue her education. Like Willow, many young girls wanted to help their families by working in Hawai'i and by sending money back to Korea. They saw no harm because the men in the photos looked handsome and well settled. Perhaps this was the only way they could ever repay their family, to make their burden a little less heavy. Willow, Hong-ju and Song-hwa travel across the sea to their paradise but what awaits them is something they had never imagined.
The story takes a predictable turn but it doesn’t get boring. The concept in itself was quite unique because I wasn’t aware of Picture Brides until then. The story is tactfully written, pulling the readers in but my only qualm was the ability to not connect with the protagonist.
All in all, I’m still glad to have received this copy because it was very interesting to read about the detailed political aspects of certain nations. If you’re interested in Historical Fiction then this book may just be up your alley.
Thanks to the publisher for the copy.
When Willow is shown her groom’s picture, she is told that he is a landowner in Hawai'i and if she married him, she could even continue her education. Like Willow, many young girls wanted to help their families by working in Hawai'i and by sending money back to Korea. They saw no harm because the men in the photos looked handsome and well settled. Perhaps this was the only way they could ever repay their family, to make their burden a little less heavy. Willow, Hong-ju and Song-hwa travel across the sea to their paradise but what awaits them is something they had never imagined.
The story takes a predictable turn but it doesn’t get boring. The concept in itself was quite unique because I wasn’t aware of Picture Brides until then. The story is tactfully written, pulling the readers in but my only qualm was the ability to not connect with the protagonist.
All in all, I’m still glad to have received this copy because it was very interesting to read about the detailed political aspects of certain nations. If you’re interested in Historical Fiction then this book may just be up your alley.
Thanks to the publisher for the copy.
fasmina's review
4.0
Three women, three completely different women crossing seas and getting married and living three different lives is the best summary of this book. How the women meet, separate and again have their lives tangled throughout is the beauty of this book.
Told in the perspective of Willow, who along with her two friends from the same part of Korea, goes to Hawai’i as picture brides. Picture brides are those who exchange photos between the bride and the groom and cross counties to meet their husband. How their find their husbands to be, whether they fulfilled their own dreams and how they survived makes up the book.
Since it’s set in the early 1900s, we witness the life in Korea and Hawai’i and the different struggles they had to face as migrants. The emotional and mental trauma that each picture bride goes through is heartbreaking. The last part of the book was unexpected and I was left shocked.
Since it’s a translation, the narration was a bit confusing, where the timeline jumped from one place to another and back to the same place in the same page, without any warning. Also, the last revelation is something that needed more and I would have loved to read more about it!
Many of the political aspects were a bit confusing for me because Emmy complete focus was on the women. Nevertheless, it’s a totally engaging story which centred around women who wanted to have the best for themselves but eventually sacrificed everything.
Told in the perspective of Willow, who along with her two friends from the same part of Korea, goes to Hawai’i as picture brides. Picture brides are those who exchange photos between the bride and the groom and cross counties to meet their husband. How their find their husbands to be, whether they fulfilled their own dreams and how they survived makes up the book.
Since it’s set in the early 1900s, we witness the life in Korea and Hawai’i and the different struggles they had to face as migrants. The emotional and mental trauma that each picture bride goes through is heartbreaking. The last part of the book was unexpected and I was left shocked.
Since it’s a translation, the narration was a bit confusing, where the timeline jumped from one place to another and back to the same place in the same page, without any warning. Also, the last revelation is something that needed more and I would have loved to read more about it!
Many of the political aspects were a bit confusing for me because Emmy complete focus was on the women. Nevertheless, it’s a totally engaging story which centred around women who wanted to have the best for themselves but eventually sacrificed everything.
kai3cll's review
2.0
I have misplaced my copy. I was reading the book for days and weeks but then it just went missing and I am sorry but I didn't try looking for it.
Someday I may find it behind my bookshelf and read it but right now, I haven't read the last section of the book with Pearl's pov. Regardless, I also do not think that reading it will make me change my rating in a greater way so here is the review~
___
If you want to know about the basic and top-of-the-iceberg (maybe a little underwater) information about Korean picture brides and immigrants in Hawaii then this is an okay read.
However, for me, it made me more curious than satisfied my curiosity. It was like a bland dish that make you want to eat something else. (unseasoned salad)
___
1) The information was meh.
I looked up more photographs, narrated interviews, history, etc. I especially discovered an old interview that was so similar to the book that I have a feeling the author read it and tried to include it in the book - which is great.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the original accounts more for their emotional depth that I felt the book lacked.
___
2) The wrong narrator
I feel that the book focuses on the wrong narrator. Willow doesn't have any strong opinions and she never takes a decision. Everything happens to her and she flows with it. Which is okay but she at least needs to have something.
Also, she has one of the rather simpler or even easier life. Hence, she isn't the best character to show or drive the topic the book is covering. Sadly, sometimes this type of narrator is great to focus on the other characters but the story goes on lengthy details about Willon while only brushing upon the other characters.
The book would have been okay even if it balanced the narratives with other characters but sadly did not.
___
Overall, I would say it was a good try and the writer can get better. I will definitely pick another book from the author but this one was disappointing.
Someday I may find it behind my bookshelf and read it but right now, I haven't read the last section of the book with Pearl's pov. Regardless, I also do not think that reading it will make me change my rating in a greater way so here is the review~
___
If you want to know about the basic and top-of-the-iceberg (maybe a little underwater) information about Korean picture brides and immigrants in Hawaii then this is an okay read.
However, for me, it made me more curious than satisfied my curiosity. It was like a bland dish that make you want to eat something else. (unseasoned salad)
___
1) The information was meh.
I looked up more photographs, narrated interviews, history, etc. I especially discovered an old interview that was so similar to the book that I have a feeling the author read it and tried to include it in the book - which is great.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the original accounts more for their emotional depth that I felt the book lacked.
___
2) The wrong narrator
I feel that the book focuses on the wrong narrator. Willow doesn't have any strong opinions and she never takes a decision. Everything happens to her and she flows with it. Which is okay but she at least needs to have something.
Also, she has one of the rather simpler or even easier life. Hence, she isn't the best character to show or drive the topic the book is covering. Sadly, sometimes this type of narrator is great to focus on the other characters but the story goes on lengthy details about Willon while only brushing upon the other characters.
The book would have been okay even if it balanced the narratives with other characters but sadly did not.
___
Overall, I would say it was a good try and the writer can get better. I will definitely pick another book from the author but this one was disappointing.