Reviews

Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara

evelikesbooks's review

dark mysterious tense 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

3.75

nogayourbroga's review

dark informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Read for my personal Jewish/AAPI readathon for May.

I finished most of this while recovering from a vaccine, if that's a noteworthy sign, LOL.

I'm always a sucker for vintage Chicago, and this book manages to cover an oft-underrepresented part of history through Japanese resettlement in Chicago during WW2. I also enjoyed the mystery--when we did get the mystery--and it twisted and turned in a way that was satisfying.

Where it lagged for me a bit was mainly prose and pacing. We meandered a bit, especially in the beginning, and Aki adapting to her new life didn't always mesh with her trying to solve her sister's death as seamlessly as I'd hoped. The prose was also a touch dry at times, explaining things just a bit too much for my personal taste.

I did like most of the character dynamics; the way that everyone brushes up against each other and chafes even when you think it's all good was fun to explore. As for the romantic subplot, I don't feel like it added much to the story, but neither did it detract much. Art wasn't really a character in his own right; he was the narrative device that made you happy for Aki, and really, that's what matters in the end.

Ultimately a fun read worth my time.

ioannareadabook's review

Unfortunately choppy narration and dislikable main character weren’t sufficiently offset by the compelling threads involving

abortion stigma

and Japanese internment camps.  

jrkinyak's review against another edition

adventurous informative mysterious 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? Yes

4.0

rainbowbookworm's review

3.0

I saw this book on a Book Riot article, borrowed it from the library, and went in with no expectations. I was intrigued by the circumstances of Rose's death and very invested in Aki's efforts to uncover the truth.

Overall this was a very satisfying read, though I am always disappointed when historical fiction has a love story that takes attention away from the main plot.

niedererer's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

5.0

kimberleyw12's review

lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, War, Alcohol, Suicide, Rape, and Abortion

shelbydong's review

4.0

I actually really enjoyed this book. I don’t think of it so much as a ‘mystery’ but historical fiction. There is obviously some a mystery to it, but it wasn’t like a page turner, trying to figure out who done it. Pretty easy read though and lots of insight into what it was like for Japanese Americans during WWII. I think I’ll read the second book in the series!

tiggerrd's review against another edition

challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

bmlowry8's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75