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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed reading the life of a Japanese family and friends from 1939-1966. I've read so many stories of life in Europe during WWl and WWll. Also many stories of Japanese occupied Korea and China.
I have a much better understanding of the traditional ways of DOH theatre masks and the great rituals and training associated with the Sumo culture.
The writing was very descriptive, and the characters were well developed. The ending felt real not quickly needing to be wrapped up as too many novels do. I will certainly seek out more of Gail Tsukiyama's works!
I have a much better understanding of the traditional ways of DOH theatre masks and the great rituals and training associated with the Sumo culture.
The writing was very descriptive, and the characters were well developed. The ending felt real not quickly needing to be wrapped up as too many novels do. I will certainly seek out more of Gail Tsukiyama's works!
The story begins in 1939 when Japan is at war with China and becomes a major force in World War II. On the Street of a Thousand Blossoms, two orphaned brothers are growing up with their loving grandparents, who inspire them to dream of a future firmly rooted in tradition. The older boy, Hiroshi, shows unusual skill at the national obsession of sumo wrestling, while Kenji is fascinated by the art of creating hard-carved masks for actors in the Noh theater.
Across town, a renowned sumo master, Sho Tanaka, lives with his wife and their two young daughters: the delicate, daydreaming Aki and her independent sister, Haru. Life seems full of promise as Kenji begins an informal apprenticeship with the most famous mask-maker in Japan and Hiroshi receives a coveted invitation to train with Tanaka. But then Pearl Harbor changes everything. As the ripples of war spread to both families' quiet neighborhoods, all of the generations must put their dreams on hold---and then find their way in a new Japan.
The book was beautifully written and i really love the story and the warm relationship between the two brother. The story reminds us, especially in today's divided atmosphere, that to condemn a nation of people is to deny their humanity.
Across town, a renowned sumo master, Sho Tanaka, lives with his wife and their two young daughters: the delicate, daydreaming Aki and her independent sister, Haru. Life seems full of promise as Kenji begins an informal apprenticeship with the most famous mask-maker in Japan and Hiroshi receives a coveted invitation to train with Tanaka. But then Pearl Harbor changes everything. As the ripples of war spread to both families' quiet neighborhoods, all of the generations must put their dreams on hold---and then find their way in a new Japan.
The book was beautifully written and i really love the story and the warm relationship between the two brother. The story reminds us, especially in today's divided atmosphere, that to condemn a nation of people is to deny their humanity.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my least favorite of Gail Tsukiyama. It was a dark book filled with things that I didn't know about Japan during and after WWII.
I loved the first half of this book. The author, Gail Tsukiyama, is a gifted writer and story-teller. However, the second half was less engaging and I found myself just wanting it to be over. Hence, the four stars.
This is my first book by Ms. Tsukiyama, and given the wonderful writing, I am looking forward to reading more.
This is my first book by Ms. Tsukiyama, and given the wonderful writing, I am looking forward to reading more.
Think I'll have to hold off on this book for now since I didn't finish it in time for the discussion group and need to read something a little shorter/lighter over the summer months.
I couldn't get engaged with this book...the characters seemed all too perfect, and despite all that happened - war, deaths, births - I was left with the feeling that there was no plot. Realistic, maybe, but not interesting.
A story of grief, of triumph, and of the human toll WWII took on the Japanese; women and children, artists and traditionalist, humans. I enjoyed learning about the ancient tradition of Noh theater and the masks used during the performances, and the history and honor behind Sumo. This book was compassionate, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. I'm so glad that I read it.