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A review by serenityofbooks
At the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker
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.