Uncertain Luck

by Rea Keech

It's 1969, and Emiko's father has gone to Tokyo to support student protests against the Vietnam War—but hasn't come back. Then suddenly her mother dies. In despair, 20-year-old Emiko abandons her factory job to go searching for her missing father.

In Tokyo, Emiko meets Juan, an American soldier recovering from a battle injury. Now she is in love with a soldier in the war she and her father have been denouncing for years.

Audiobook

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

I love fiction and nonfiction. Lately I've been reading books set in countries outside of the U.S.
I've been a teacher all my life--at the University of South Carolina, Voorhees College, and the University of Tehran, as well as schools in Japan and Greece.
I taught English and World Literature at a community college for many years. My doctorate is in Comparative Literature.

Reviews

[Milena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book - the premise is great - main character looking for her father, moving from a small town to Tokyo, going from one "adventure" to the other in order to find her father, meeting different important people along the way - and all that in the setting of the Vietnam war, but I'm not a fan of the execution.
Even though the topic has been definitely researched and the author knows what he talks about, the story feels a bit naïve, predictive and unpolished. This book had the great potential, but there's still something missing. Despite all the downsides, it's a nice, relaxing read.
Since I've listened to the audio version of this book - that is narrated by the author himself, I must say that Rea has done a nice job, however sometimes it was a bit confusing and difficult understanding that pov/scene has changed.

Big thanks to NetGalley and author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The backdrop of Vietnam War time in Japan makes for an interesting historical setting, and the burgeoning romance between Emiko, a Japanese young woman, and Juan, a Puerto Rican US soldier convalescing there, is gentle and sweet.

For both characters, the book provides more facts about their pasts than emotional history (we know some of what happened in their lives but not their feelings, yearnings, insecurities, defining moments etc). As a result, their choices throughout the book seem abrupt or unfounded. For instance, their rapid attachment to one another was sweet, but hard to be bought into and invested in as a reader.

I particularly struggled to understand the motivations and voice of Emiko, whose maturity seems all over the place. She seems at once self sufficient and helpless, worldly and naive. I also think the audiobook narrator gives her a childish voice, which adds to this and makes it surprising when she does adultish things like forwardly initiate a kiss or start an intellectual conversation over policy or politics.

I found myself filling in the gaps to make the story make sense or resonate: how did she get so good at English and have such in depth knowledge of world politics? Because of her father’s activism? But then why didn’t she go to college like some of her friends? Is it because her father was away and they needed the money from her factory job? Why is she so deferential to women in her village and suddenly so bold and outspoken when she gets to Tokyo? Why is she so opposed to domestic life and disinterested in romantic relationships until she meets Juan? And why do they instantly attach themselves to each other? Are they filling a void of lovelessness in other parts of their lives? Are they drawn to each other’s different backgrounds? Or are they both just super hot and irresistible to one another?

I kept rooting for this book, as I love both historical fiction and romance, and it has so much potential with the initial plotline and context. The gaps I described above as well as the stilted dialogue were distracting, though, so I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Thanks to NetGalley, Rea Keech and Real Nice Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived in Japan for 45 years, I’m pretty fussy when it comes to books that are set in Japan written by non-Japanese. Often, they are filled with stereotypes and cultural blips. But Rea Keech in “Uncertain Luck” has written a book set in 1969 Japan that has a very authentic feel to it. It takes place ten years before my sojourn began, but I do remember people talking about the glue sniffers at Tokyo Station. I knew people who were wannabe radicals (particularly protesting Narita Airport operations). And my husband has also talked about the student uprisings and the radicalism that had swept the country at that time.

The story begins when Emiko leaves her factory job in her country city after her mother dies to search for her father, a WWII vet who disappeared after supporting students in Tokyo protesting the Vietnam war. There she meets some shady people and finds lodging in Sanya, a neighborhood that could be called a slum. While searching for her father, she obtains a job as an English translator and meets Juan, an American GI who is recovering from an injury from the Vietnam war. Now she is in love, but will love be enough for them during this very difficult time?

There are a few things that are hard to believe (for example, I can’t imagine a high school graduate from a local city having the necessary English skills to communicate in rudimentary English, let along talk to Juan with such passion and land a job as a translator). But other than that, I think the book does a fine job in transporting us to the Japan of that time. My only complaint is that I listened to an audio ARC. As other reviewers have mentioned, it would have been better to have had a female narrator since the POV was mainly from Emiko. However, once I got used to the male voice, I didn’t hate it. I would have just preferred a woman.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written story about 20 year old -Emiko, who is searching for her missing father, after the death of her mother. Emiko is strong and determined and she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and others she knows. Emiko’s story is very engaging and she knows what happens in her life, her friendships, her romance with Juan ( American military) and her unwavering belief that her father is still alive.
I enjoyed this book — historical fiction — based in Japan but focused on the American military and the dark side of Japan- yakuza, terrorism and underworld dealings, as well as the war in Vietnam. I listened to the audiobook narration — at 2.0x which made the narration more bearable for the female voicing.

Thanks to Netgalley, and Rae Keetch for this ARC. This is my honest review

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Amico‘s mother dies at the funeral she meets a man who is a rich businessman from Tokyo he was once in love with her mother but now wants her to become his second wife, something Amico is dead set against. After the funeral however she takes the monetary donations and head to Tokyo she’s in search of her father who would go every now and then to help students protest in the last time he left he never came back that was five years ago and since she no longer has a mother she wants to find him. While in Japan she will meet new friends but more importantly while out and about in Tokyo she meets a US military soldier who is Owen leave due to an injury Amico knows her father would be totally against her dating him but they fall in love despite that. I am doing a terrible job at this review this book was so good the narrator was really good does Amico find her father and if so what does he say about her loving Juan Gomez this book is sad during the Vietnam war end it was so good I love reading books set in other countries especially those written by people from that country there’s so many lessons in this book but more than that it is entertaining and definitely gives you a fly‘s iview of the way life was in Japan during the war as I said I love this book and thought the narrator did an awesome job. it’s books like this that truly show how we’re more like than different. I want to thank the author the narrator the publisher and NetGalley for my free audio arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Neha Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genre and I make conscious attempt to pick books that are not focused on Second World War. There are just too many of them on Second World War. Hence premise of this book set in backdrop of Vietnam War seemed interesting and drew me to it.

Its a casual read which moves at a leisure pace. Its about an young women Emiko, who is trying to find her missing father after her mother dies. I liked that there is no over dramatisation of despairs which Emiko had to undergo. She had plenty of them, loss of parents, financial troubles, not so respectable job, elderly man trying to take advantage of her. All of this was treated as 'life' and nowhere trying to invoke sympathy for the character. It also helped in keeping the mood light throughout.
'Uncertain luck' sounds pretty negative and hopeless but its been depicted in the book as, 'dont count on your luck, you are on your own' , which I feel is a powerful learning to have.

Most of the story is set in Japan and described through Emiko's pov, and Vietnam war is never center stage other than Emiko's love interest being deployed there as an American soldier. This was bit disappointment and takes away from historical fiction credit. The love story also seemed little too convenient. Last 3 chapters and Epilogue are a stretch and not needed at all, as the happy ending was already achieved. Audio book needs a different narrator considering main character is female and narration is being done in a male voice, it just feels out of sync.

Overall a casual and easy read.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thank netgalley and the author for allowing me to review this advanced copy of the novel.

After having read several reviews of the novel I have to say I dind myself quite aligned with praise and criticism. I was really intrigued to read a novel about the Vietnam war, as by being Italian I am not very familiar with it. I liked the story as an overall, it gave a nice insight into the political realities at the time of the war. The main character at the beginning is so inexperienced it is almost annoying, but she thankfully develops into a more mature person throughout and leaves behind her naivetee. I liked the relationship between the two main characters, even if the desire to be together and the development of the ove is a bit fast for my taste. I have seen the criticism that the female main character should have been a bit more conflicted by dating an American, and I do agree, but also understand her need for love in a reality where she has lost her mother, doesn't know if she will ever see her father again and is in a foreign city alone.
I didn't dislike the author reading the novel out loud, but it is true different female voices would have enriched the narration.
Lastly there are some abrupt changes of perspective in the novel, as the POV shifts rapidly between the characters.I hope the book does a better job transitioning than the audiobook.
Overall I recommend this book for a light read..

[Hikari · Rating 2 out of 5]

A historical novel set in 1969 Japan: it's the Vietnam War as well as the lead up Yukio Mishima's failed coup attempt. Trying to navigate this set of events are Emiko (Japanese, anti-Vietnam War) who's trying to find her missing father and Juan (American solider in said war) trying to stay alive.

Sadly, this novel needs another round of edits to tighten it up: Emiko should feel much more conflicted about falling for Juan than she does. I also didn't buy how quickly they ended up in bed together. The last part of the novel doesn't have enough jeopardy for Emiko/Juan so I was left wondering what Emiko wanted, e.g. when her letter to Juan was returned because she'd written "Vietnam" as part of the address, why didn't she just re-address and resend it if she's so completely in love with him?

The audiobook is narrated by the author which was fine for me. However, there were a number of places where there was a scene shift within a chapter but it took a couple of sentences before this was clear to the listener. I assume in the book, there are indications that there's a scene shift. This would be another point to clear up in the revised version.

The novel is a good premise and it's clearly been thoroughly researched. It just needs another edit to bring it to fruition. I received an advance review copy of the audiobook for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uncertain Luck Rea Keech 🎧2⭐️

I really liked the look of the books premise. It’s a historical Vietnam war era story which had a unique premise incorporating themes of love and loyalty.

I had the audiobook narrated by the author which is unusual. However I think it would be better narrated by a female voice, as the mc is a 20 year old female, and the narrator has a deep slightly gravely voice. It really needs a different narrator.

It’s 1969 Emiko’s father goes to Tokyo to support the Vietnam war protests, only he doesn’t return. Then shortly after her mother dies. Emiko goes in search of her father.

It’s a slow gentle story. I found it too far too slow and tame for me, there wasn’t enough interest going on. It also felt very dry, and stilted.

The book has a glossary with translation, I found it nice hearing the words spoken. Think I’d rather hear the words and get a feel of the language, it gives an authentic feel. I think the narrator included some of the translation, but have no way of knowing if that was also included in the book.

Emiko was subservient for much of the book, but finally found her backbone.

Unfortunately it’s not one for me. It covered some pertinent aspects of the war.

[Eva Edge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uncertain Luck by Rea Keech, an audiobook narrated by Rea Keech is historical fiction, set in 1969 Tokyo.
Unfortunitelly this wasn't the book for me. I struggle to connect with the main character Emiko and the story in general. I don't think that author was a suitable narrator for the book. The voice was so monotone, that I needed to concentrate so much to stay focused. Usually, I multitask while listening, but this time I caught that book becoming a background noise so I needed to go back and relisten. I pushed myself to listen to it all in one go as I knew it would be hard to come back if I left it.

The storyline wasn't bad, there were some good moments, and some good friendships. Probably with a female narrator, it would be better, I don't know.

In 1969 Emiko’s father goes missing so she decides to go to Tokyo and find him. Things are not straight forward and Emiko goes through tough times. In Tokyo, Emiko meets Juan and falls in love but she doesn't know if there is a possible happy ending.

Thank you, NetGalley for the copy, even though It wasn't a book for me, I believe there will be readers who will love it.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

In 1969 Japan, Emiko’s father went to Tokyo to protest the Vietnam War but hasn’t been heard from for months. When Emiko’s mother dies unexpectedly, she follows her father to Tokyo to track him down. While there, she meets Juan, an American soldier recovering from injuries in the same war Emiko and her dad are denouncing. Will she be able to find her dad, and will she be able to find happiness with Juan?

This story had an interesting premise, but the execution fell a bit flat for me. I learned some interesting things about Japanese culture in the late 1960s, but I felt disconnected from the characters and their emotions and thoughts. I think the audiobook would have been better with a professional narrator. If you want to read this book, I would recommend a print or ebook version.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, first the narrator -- the reading was done well and in a calm, comforting tone, but I agree with the reviewers who believe it would have been better to use a young female, considering the story and its perspective.
I also liked the story. I asked to read this because I think East Asia is interesting and I've never read a historical fiction novel about the effects of the Vietnam War on Japan. It was definitely poignant and fascinating to see how our main character dealt with the loss of her mother, followed by her attempts to find her father. She was surprisingly strong in how she navigated the world alone, but not in an unrealistic way.
I didn't know how the book would end, which was good, because it helped me feel a sense of satisfaction as everything wrapped up.

[Michaela Deitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an interesting historical fiction about Vietnam as Emiko searches for her missing father. An eye-opening view of what it was like at that time. The struggles Emiko deals with in another country and so quickly after the death of her mother. Emiko is a very thought-out character I felt I knew personally by the end of the story. I think the love triangle with the American soldier just enriched the plot. The narrator did a great job although a woman's voice for Emiko might have been better but overall it was a great audiobook. Rea Keech did a great job creating a realistic historical fiction novel.

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity of listening to the audiobook. Let me preface that I barely read any historical-based books, and I did listen to it while traveling as a postman, so a lot of pauses were ensured while on the job: I liked it. It was not perfect, but I liked it. The time frame was nicely done, Japan while in the Vietnam War, there were a bit of weird aspects, like her level of english and getting help in translating, but had enough money for living, the mafia thing, the old lady that travelled to see her living conditions... But it still made for a good listen.