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worldreads 's review for:
The Blossom and the Firefly
by Sherri L. Smith
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes reading historical fiction, especially regarding WWII Japan.
This book was beautifully written and you can tell the author has done extensive research about World War II from the Japanese perspective. The story centers around two Japanese citizens, Taro and Hana, who grow up hearing rumors of war in school and later join the efforts in different ways. Taro becomes a pilot, intent on serving his country and bringing pride to his family. Hana works at an airbase that houses kamikaze pilots, serving with other woman to smile and bring joy to pilots in their final days. Both Taro and Hana’s lives have been changed due to the war, but they cross paths and connect through a shared love of music.
This story is not a light read, as it is deeply emotional and heavy at some parts. It is the reality of war from the Japanese perspective, with many scenes depicting deaths and traumas. With that in mind, it is also a beautiful story of human connection.
My favorite quotes:
“But history tells us it is not the way of men to be satisfied. It is not the way of empires.” (13)
“If we don’t laugh sometimes, we will become brittle and break.” (25)
“Perhaps, in time, he will learn to play the melancholy beneath the joy.” (30)
“They were wealthy before the war. But Okā-san says such a family’s greatest wealth is in their son. In this way, the war has made them paupers.” (33)
“It is only in times of great striving that we truly show our worth.” (60)
“To play great music, one must practice every day. Why would moral strength be any different?” (81)
“The young girl shines in my mothers face as she smiles.” (110)
“No one can see me. It is utterly silent. Just me, the trees, and the air. I am the only person in the world. This is peace.” (128)
“I had thought to leave the world behind me this morning, but your kindness I will take with me.” (146)
“A boy. In a yard. At home. His mother inside, waiting. This would all be true forever.” (154)
“Her face, when she looked up, shone like the sun, and he wondered that he ever doubted he would know her again. He knew, the way a ship knew its port, a pilot the shape of his parents’ home below.” (180)
“Attachment leads to suffering, … But perhaps that is the price of joy.” (181)
“He closes his eyes against the pain of perfect belonging.” (228)
“My heart breaks, even as it blooms.” (229)
“I do not fear death / it grows late and I tire / But look — a flower!” (233)
“Fall seven times, get up eight.” (255)
“The only thing that was certain was change. That’s what living meant, after all.” (291)
This book was beautifully written and you can tell the author has done extensive research about World War II from the Japanese perspective. The story centers around two Japanese citizens, Taro and Hana, who grow up hearing rumors of war in school and later join the efforts in different ways. Taro becomes a pilot, intent on serving his country and bringing pride to his family. Hana works at an airbase that houses kamikaze pilots, serving with other woman to smile and bring joy to pilots in their final days. Both Taro and Hana’s lives have been changed due to the war, but they cross paths and connect through a shared love of music.
This story is not a light read, as it is deeply emotional and heavy at some parts. It is the reality of war from the Japanese perspective, with many scenes depicting deaths and traumas. With that in mind, it is also a beautiful story of human connection.
My favorite quotes:
“But history tells us it is not the way of men to be satisfied. It is not the way of empires.” (13)
“If we don’t laugh sometimes, we will become brittle and break.” (25)
“Perhaps, in time, he will learn to play the melancholy beneath the joy.” (30)
“They were wealthy before the war. But Okā-san says such a family’s greatest wealth is in their son. In this way, the war has made them paupers.” (33)
“It is only in times of great striving that we truly show our worth.” (60)
“To play great music, one must practice every day. Why would moral strength be any different?” (81)
“The young girl shines in my mothers face as she smiles.” (110)
“No one can see me. It is utterly silent. Just me, the trees, and the air. I am the only person in the world. This is peace.” (128)
“I had thought to leave the world behind me this morning, but your kindness I will take with me.” (146)
“A boy. In a yard. At home. His mother inside, waiting. This would all be true forever.” (154)
“Her face, when she looked up, shone like the sun, and he wondered that he ever doubted he would know her again. He knew, the way a ship knew its port, a pilot the shape of his parents’ home below.” (180)
“Attachment leads to suffering, … But perhaps that is the price of joy.” (181)
“He closes his eyes against the pain of perfect belonging.” (228)
“My heart breaks, even as it blooms.” (229)
“I do not fear death / it grows late and I tire / But look — a flower!” (233)
“Fall seven times, get up eight.” (255)
“The only thing that was certain was change. That’s what living meant, after all.” (291)