findingsolace 's review for:

White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton

5.0

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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: Yes

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White Mulberry is a historical fiction closely based on the author's grandmother's life during her time as a nurse in Japan, where she had to forgo her Korean identity to fit into their society, and she had to grapple against the mocking eyes of others as she protected her son. This story follows Miyoung, who was once a bright child who had dreams but was sent to Japan due to unforeseen circumstances, and she later became known as "Ando Miyoko," the nurse and midwife that everybody would get to know. I cannot deny that I was scared about what would happen to her in the end, and fortunately, there was a happy ending, but we cannot deny that all the sacrifices she had to make—especially changing her identity—were difficult and should be acknowledged. She is a woman of resilience and strength. I'm glad that she lived a fulfilling life amidst war and uncertainties.