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danielizabeth2608's review
4.0
What an incredible read! And also based on a true story. I think I'm safely set in my historical romance/ war romance era right now!
magis1105's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ppppaula's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
myneverendingtbrlist's review
5.0
This was such a beautiful story. Exactly the kind of historical romance I love. Full of hard truths from the past with sweetness and perseverance on the side.
I WISH I knew more of my grandparents and their own history, but they have all sadly passed.
I WISH I knew more of my grandparents and their own history, but they have all sadly passed.
ebs_nd_flows's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nicolauda's review
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, War, Xenophobia, Suicide, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault
jactingl's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.5
serenityofbooks's review
4.0
At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree by Ali Parker is an enchanting and poignant love story that will leave a lasting impact on its readers. Set against the backdrop of post-war Japan, this novel masterfully weaves together history and romance, drawing inspiration from the author's own grandparents' experiences. It is a tale of love's triumph over adversity and an eye-opening exploration of a tumultuous period in history.
The story revolves around Gordon Parker, a young Australian soldier stationed in Japan after the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. When he meets the captivating Nobuko "Cherry" Sakuramoto, an unanticipated love blossoms between them. However, their love faces formidable obstacles due to the prevailing rules and the White Australia Policy that forbids Gordon from bringing his Japanese bride home.
Parker's portrayal of Gordon and Cherry's love is both heartwarming and heartrending. The struggles they endure and the barriers they dismantle are a testament to the indomitable power of love. It evokes a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving the reader rooting for their happiness while also feeling outraged at the prejudices and injustices they encounter.
One of the book's highlights is its historical backdrop, shedding light on Australia's involvement in Japan during that era. Readers will appreciate the insights into a lesser-known part of history and find themselves learning more about the complexities of immigration policies and cultural biases that existed at the time. The narrative challenges readers to reflect on how much society has evolved since then, and whether we have truly overcome such prejudices.
The author's personal connection to the story adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the book. Her acknowledgment of her grandparents' resilience and determination to fight for their love and beliefs is both touching and inspiring. It serves as a beautiful tribute to their legacy and the impact they had on changing the course of history.
The story revolves around Gordon Parker, a young Australian soldier stationed in Japan after the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. When he meets the captivating Nobuko "Cherry" Sakuramoto, an unanticipated love blossoms between them. However, their love faces formidable obstacles due to the prevailing rules and the White Australia Policy that forbids Gordon from bringing his Japanese bride home.
Parker's portrayal of Gordon and Cherry's love is both heartwarming and heartrending. The struggles they endure and the barriers they dismantle are a testament to the indomitable power of love. It evokes a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving the reader rooting for their happiness while also feeling outraged at the prejudices and injustices they encounter.
One of the book's highlights is its historical backdrop, shedding light on Australia's involvement in Japan during that era. Readers will appreciate the insights into a lesser-known part of history and find themselves learning more about the complexities of immigration policies and cultural biases that existed at the time. The narrative challenges readers to reflect on how much society has evolved since then, and whether we have truly overcome such prejudices.
The author's personal connection to the story adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the book. Her acknowledgment of her grandparents' resilience and determination to fight for their love and beliefs is both touching and inspiring. It serves as a beautiful tribute to their legacy and the impact they had on changing the course of history.
shannonreadstheworld's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
"𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍."
This forbidden love story had me hooked and the fact that it's based on a true story made it hit so much harder!
The love between Don, an Australian soldier and Nobuko 'Cherry', a Japanese woman, is absolutely beautiful. It's a once in a lifetime love that had them both doing everything possible to be together.
Their love story starts in Japan towards the end of WW2 after the events of Hiroshima. I didn't really know much about what happened in Japan during/after WW2 so this was a really eye opening read for me. It was truly heartbreaking reading Cherry experience the Hiroshima bombing. She's an amazing women who was dealt an absolutely shitty hand but was strong and inspiring.
Don fell hard and fast and didn't care that their relationship was illegal. He loved Cherry and he refused to believe that their love was wrong or less worthy than any other. He fought against the government and prejudice to bring Cherry home to Australia. There is nothing Don wouldn't have done for his family!!
Also, Charlie's relationship with Don was so freaking brilliant. I loved Charlie so much!
I loved reading the afterword and finding out what happened to Don and Cherry after the events of the book. The fact that this was written by their grandaughter, made this story even more special
This forbidden love story had me hooked and the fact that it's based on a true story made it hit so much harder!
The love between Don, an Australian soldier and Nobuko 'Cherry', a Japanese woman, is absolutely beautiful. It's a once in a lifetime love that had them both doing everything possible to be together.
Their love story starts in Japan towards the end of WW2 after the events of Hiroshima. I didn't really know much about what happened in Japan during/after WW2 so this was a really eye opening read for me. It was truly heartbreaking reading Cherry experience the Hiroshima bombing. She's an amazing women who was dealt an absolutely shitty hand but was strong and inspiring.
Don fell hard and fast and didn't care that their relationship was illegal. He loved Cherry and he refused to believe that their love was wrong or less worthy than any other. He fought against the government and prejudice to bring Cherry home to Australia. There is nothing Don wouldn't have done for his family!!
Also, Charlie's relationship with Don was so freaking brilliant. I loved Charlie so much!
I loved reading the afterword and finding out what happened to Don and Cherry after the events of the book. The fact that this was written by their grandaughter, made this story even more special