A review by maria161985
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende

4.0

I had wanted to read this book for quite some time now, especially since it involves cross-cultural love, which is always a topic that I enjoy to learn more about. When I first started this book, I was enthralled by the beauty of Allende's writing; I felt that it flowed beautifully, and that the storyline was intriguing. We first meet Alma Belasco, who is currently residing at Lark House. Once we get to know her family members, we then hear of her forbidden love for Ichiemi, a Japanese man that she met while living at her uncle's home in San Francisco during World War II. Throughout the many years of Alma's life, we learn of the beauty of Alma and Ichiemi's love, although there were many obstacles put in the way of them being together. The story is one of tragedy in one way however, wonder in another, as we learn of the routes in which Alma and Ichiemi are willing to go through in order to be together. Overall, a wonderful book about how love can transform us, and give us opportunities that we never thought possible.