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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
The characters in this story were what really kept it going for me. It was wonderful to see them change and grow throughout the expanse of the book. I love narratives that take place over the course of a lifetime. The context of the book was also very interesting for me. Beautiful story telling.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Japan WW2 before, during, and after.
Family ties and heartbreak.
Poignant story, incredible writing.
3 stars because I read it so slowly - attention was lost.
Family ties and heartbreak.
Poignant story, incredible writing.
3 stars because I read it so slowly - attention was lost.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
I've not only read this twice but have recommended it and loaned it to friends.
Here in the United States we have our view of what it is to be in war. In Tokyo in 1939, two young boys are growing up in the care of their grandparents. Their lives are hard but filled with love and support. Their futures are foreseeable and they are content. The reader learns about the everyday life of the people, their customs, and interactions. Then the Pearl Harbor attacks take place and their lives fall apart. Seeing the effects of WWII as it impacts them and how they cope is difficult and inspiring. I recommend this book.
Here in the United States we have our view of what it is to be in war. In Tokyo in 1939, two young boys are growing up in the care of their grandparents. Their lives are hard but filled with love and support. Their futures are foreseeable and they are content. The reader learns about the everyday life of the people, their customs, and interactions. Then the Pearl Harbor attacks take place and their lives fall apart. Seeing the effects of WWII as it impacts them and how they cope is difficult and inspiring. I recommend this book.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
"Just remember, every day of your lives, you must always be sure what you're fighting for."
This book followed a family in Japan through the grips of World War II and out the other side again. Two brothers raised by their grandparents and the owner of a sumo stable and his two daughters are the main performers in this little play, and we get an intimate look into the thoughts, feelings, fears, and dreams of these people as they progress through their uncertain lives.
I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, even moreso of historical fiction set in Asia. This book, however, left me feeling a little bit "meh". It's a perfectly adequate book, and actually I think it's told really well up until the late World War II years. I feel like the book peaks early though, and I found myself losing a bit of interest following World War II. Nothing really changes, style-wise, but I felt less of a direction in where the story was heading. The writing is straightforward, not very lyrical, but the author does tell a good story. I felt like the leadup to were the most interesting, but I sort of disliked Aki as a character later on.
An adequate book, not exceptional, but also not terrible. Interesting for about the first 30-40%, and then afterwards it kind of meanders along with the family's story. If you've read [b:The Samurai's Garden|51113|The Samurai's Garden|Gail Tsukiyama|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327876036l/51113._SY75_.jpg|1019525] by the same author, this book has the same feel.
This book followed a family in Japan through the grips of World War II and out the other side again. Two brothers raised by their grandparents and the owner of a sumo stable and his two daughters are the main performers in this little play, and we get an intimate look into the thoughts, feelings, fears, and dreams of these people as they progress through their uncertain lives.
I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, even moreso of historical fiction set in Asia. This book, however, left me feeling a little bit "meh". It's a perfectly adequate book, and actually I think it's told really well up until the late World War II years. I feel like the book peaks early though, and I found myself losing a bit of interest following World War II. Nothing really changes, style-wise, but I felt less of a direction in where the story was heading. The writing is straightforward, not very lyrical, but the author does tell a good story. I felt like the leadup to
Spoiler
the atomic bomb drops and the firestormAn adequate book, not exceptional, but also not terrible. Interesting for about the first 30-40%, and then afterwards it kind of meanders along with the family's story. If you've read [b:The Samurai's Garden|51113|The Samurai's Garden|Gail Tsukiyama|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327876036l/51113._SY75_.jpg|1019525] by the same author, this book has the same feel.
Jesus christ that audiobook narrator really thought the bad accent would be good for this??
Great story with characters that become "real living souls" to the reader. Set during World War 2 in Japan this rich novel tells the story of two brothers being raised by the grandparents outside of Tokoyo. This reaffirms my believe that people are people and war rips apart lifes. Older brother Hiroshi brings to life the sumo culture and younger brother Kenji the mask making art of the Noh theater. Recommended read and would be good for high school students also looking for a good read!