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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
sad
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:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Based on the life of the author's grandmother, WHITE MULBERRY follows Miyoung from a young age into adult- and motherhood. Born to the second wife of a some-what successful Korean business man, Miyoung and her sister never enjoyed much luxury in life. As both her sisters are married off to strange men (and sent to foreign countries for better opportunity), Miyoung clings desperately to the hope of furthering her education and escaping a similar fate.
When given the chance of immigrating to Japan to live with her middle sister to attend middle school, Miyoung leaps at the opportunity to escape her own arranged marriage. However, leaving a Japan-occupied Korea for the island nation itself exposes Miyoung to deep-rooted racism and hatred. Forced to choose between her identity as a Korean or success in her new country, Miyoung sets aside her past to focus on building a future.
Compelling and deeply personal, WHITE MULBERRY offers a glimpse into the lives of Koreans during the WWII era-- and the abuse they endured at the hands of their Japanese invaders. My biggest disappointment is this story feels only half finished and there wasn't a satisfying ending to Miyoung's arduous journey.
Based on the life of the author's grandmother, WHITE MULBERRY follows Miyoung from a young age into adult- and motherhood. Born to the second wife of a some-what successful Korean business man, Miyoung and her sister never enjoyed much luxury in life. As both her sisters are married off to strange men (and sent to foreign countries for better opportunity), Miyoung clings desperately to the hope of furthering her education and escaping a similar fate.
When given the chance of immigrating to Japan to live with her middle sister to attend middle school, Miyoung leaps at the opportunity to escape her own arranged marriage. However, leaving a Japan-occupied Korea for the island nation itself exposes Miyoung to deep-rooted racism and hatred. Forced to choose between her identity as a Korean or success in her new country, Miyoung sets aside her past to focus on building a future.
Compelling and deeply personal, WHITE MULBERRY offers a glimpse into the lives of Koreans during the WWII era-- and the abuse they endured at the hands of their Japanese invaders. My biggest disappointment is this story feels only half finished and there wasn't a satisfying ending to Miyoung's arduous journey.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-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:
No
A poignant tale of oppression from Japanese occupied Korea about systemic racism and a mother's love.
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
medium-paced
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A heartwrenching story of a woman's experience as a Korean during the Japanese occupation while also living in Japan. The story contains many hardships, from personal to those experienced by many Korean people during the time. I learnt about Japan during the war whilst doing my degree and learnt about comfort women, but not much more than that; this story brought me closer to people's experiences and taught me more about the happenings during this period. Then, finding out it is based on Rosa's grandmother made it even more heartbreaking. I recommend this book if you're interested in Korea, history, or Japan. It is a real eye-opener to a part of history that is rarely explored. But, expect to have your heart broken several times for Miyoung.
I really enjoyed reading this on my way back to Korea. One aspect I particularly appreciated was Easton's inclusion of the Christian church's role in the Korean resistance. This element highlights the significance of faith and community in navigating adversity but also emphasizes the church as a sanctuary for those fighting against Japanese oppression. The depiction of the church and her faith as a place of refuge and solidarity for Miyoung.
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-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