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White Mulberry
A rich, deeply moving portrait of a young Korean woman in 1930s Japan who is torn between two worlds and must reclaim her true identity to provide a future for her family.
1928, Japan-occupied Korea. Eleven-year-old Miyoung has dreams too big for her tiny farming village near Pyongyang: to become a teacher, to avoid an arranged marriage, to write her own future. When she is offered the chance to live with her older sister in Japan and continue her education, she is elated, even though it means leaving her sick mother—and her very name—behind.
In Kyoto, anti-Korean sentiment is rising every day, and Miyoung quickly realizes she must pass as Japanese if she expects to survive. Her Japanese name, Miyoko, helps her find a new calling as a nurse, but as the years go by, she fears that her true self is slipping away. She seeks solace in a Korean church group and, within it, finds something she never expected: a romance with an activist that reignites her sense of purpose and gives her a cherished son.
As war looms on a new front and Miyoung feels the constraints of her adopted home tighten, she is faced with a choice that will change her life—and the lives of those she loves—forever.
1928, Japan-occupied Korea. Eleven-year-old Miyoung has dreams too big for her tiny farming village near Pyongyang: to become a teacher, to avoid an arranged marriage, to write her own future. When she is offered the chance to live with her older sister in Japan and continue her education, she is elated, even though it means leaving her sick mother—and her very name—behind.
In Kyoto, anti-Korean sentiment is rising every day, and Miyoung quickly realizes she must pass as Japanese if she expects to survive. Her Japanese name, Miyoko, helps her find a new calling as a nurse, but as the years go by, she fears that her true self is slipping away. She seeks solace in a Korean church group and, within it, finds something she never expected: a romance with an activist that reignites her sense of purpose and gives her a cherished son.
As war looms on a new front and Miyoung feels the constraints of her adopted home tighten, she is faced with a choice that will change her life—and the lives of those she loves—forever.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 557 reviews
December 22, 2024
This book is a beautiful story that that completely drew me in from the beginning. Miyoung’s journey from a small farming village in Korea to war-torn Japan is one that’s stayed with me long after finishing. Her dreams of becoming more than what her village expected—a teacher, someone with a future of her own—hit close to home for me. I couldn’t help but feel connected to her struggle to carve out a life that felt authentic in a world that constantly demanded she change to survive.
Watching her transform into Miyoko to fit into Japanese society was both fascinating and heartbreaking. I felt her fear of losing her true self as she embraced a new identity, and I admired her resilience. Her relationship with her older sister stood out for me too—it was touching how their bond remained strong despite the distance and the turmoil around them.
What I loved most were the small, vivid details—Miyoung’s longing for the taste of familiar Korean food and the way the author brought the culture alive through these sensory moments. There were a few repetitive parts in the writing, but it didn’t stop me from being fully invested.
I’ve found myself thinking about Miyoung often, and I hope to read the sequel to see where her journey takes her next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Watching her transform into Miyoko to fit into Japanese society was both fascinating and heartbreaking. I felt her fear of losing her true self as she embraced a new identity, and I admired her resilience. Her relationship with her older sister stood out for me too—it was touching how their bond remained strong despite the distance and the turmoil around them.
What I loved most were the small, vivid details—Miyoung’s longing for the taste of familiar Korean food and the way the author brought the culture alive through these sensory moments. There were a few repetitive parts in the writing, but it didn’t stop me from being fully invested.
I’ve found myself thinking about Miyoung often, and I hope to read the sequel to see where her journey takes her next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 9, 2024
The storyline was interesting. However, the plot through its writing style was not convincing for me: many repetitions, the thoughts and dialogues felt clumsy and not really well rendered. The blurb mentioned a return to Korea with psychological challenges (which sounded interesting), but the novel ended a bit too abruptly for me...
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
July 12, 2024
It is 1930, Korea is under Japan’s control, and prejudice against Korean people is worsening by the day. 13-year-old Miyoung is forced to leave her home in Pyongyang to move to Japan, where she can continue her education and escape an arranged marriage. Once in Kyoto, Miyoung must disguise herself as Japanese, hiding her Korean identity in order to avoid mistreatment and gain employment. As tensions rise between her old and new home countries, and her personal life becomes increasingly complicated, Miyoung is confronted with the misfortune of being a poor, Korean female in a country which doesn’t accept her.
This is a story of a strong, resilient young woman determined to find hope in a life of heartbreak and loss. I felt deep sadness for Miyoung throughout this novel, and was rooting for her right through to the end. For me, this was a novel led by its plot; I did not feel a connection to the characters for their personas per se but rather their stories and the challenges they had to overcome. The novel made me feel deeply appreciative of the opportunities available to me as a woman living in 2024 England; it is so easy to forget that education, employment, and the freedom to choose are all privileges that I would not have had if born in another time and place. Thank you to Rosa Kwon Easton for reminding me of this, and for celebrating the bravery, resilience and determination of 1930s Korean women who were given so much less, yet continued to strive for more.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing access to the ARC of this novel.
This is a story of a strong, resilient young woman determined to find hope in a life of heartbreak and loss. I felt deep sadness for Miyoung throughout this novel, and was rooting for her right through to the end. For me, this was a novel led by its plot; I did not feel a connection to the characters for their personas per se but rather their stories and the challenges they had to overcome. The novel made me feel deeply appreciative of the opportunities available to me as a woman living in 2024 England; it is so easy to forget that education, employment, and the freedom to choose are all privileges that I would not have had if born in another time and place. Thank you to Rosa Kwon Easton for reminding me of this, and for celebrating the bravery, resilience and determination of 1930s Korean women who were given so much less, yet continued to strive for more.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing access to the ARC of this novel.
December 6, 2024
3.5/4
White Mulberry is a fictional account of the author's grandmother's life.
Miyoung lives with her mother and sister in northern Korea before World War II but as her mother's health deteriorates first her sister then Miyoung are sent to Japan for a better life. Miyoung hopes to continue her education but after middle school she cannot afford the fees and gets a job as a maid then a nurse.
There is some romance in the form of another Korean ex-pat. Miyoung converts to Christianity also at this time.
Life is not easy for Miyoung as she has to pretend to be Japanese to get jobs and her belief that she needs to choose career or love almost leads to heartbreak.
I listened to the audio version of this book which was read clearly by Michelle H Lee. Ms Lee read without over dramatising despite there being several distressing episodes.
The epilogue is very interesting as the author explains her interest in her own background and the jeopardy her grandmother was in during her time in Japan and Korea.
Generally an interesting book and well read. I would recommend it as a human interest/historical fiction novel.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio advance review copy.
White Mulberry is a fictional account of the author's grandmother's life.
Miyoung lives with her mother and sister in northern Korea before World War II but as her mother's health deteriorates first her sister then Miyoung are sent to Japan for a better life. Miyoung hopes to continue her education but after middle school she cannot afford the fees and gets a job as a maid then a nurse.
There is some romance in the form of another Korean ex-pat. Miyoung converts to Christianity also at this time.
Life is not easy for Miyoung as she has to pretend to be Japanese to get jobs and her belief that she needs to choose career or love almost leads to heartbreak.
I listened to the audio version of this book which was read clearly by Michelle H Lee. Ms Lee read without over dramatising despite there being several distressing episodes.
The epilogue is very interesting as the author explains her interest in her own background and the jeopardy her grandmother was in during her time in Japan and Korea.
Generally an interesting book and well read. I would recommend it as a human interest/historical fiction novel.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audio advance review copy.
December 16, 2024
Too much repetition. Miyoung's feelings were repeated ad infinitum and her constant second guessing of her choices was boring for me. I also think the author wanted to work in reference to Korean food wasn't all that necessary.
I get it that the food is spicer and some comparison is helpful. If it's to instruct us then I'd like some hint of how to pronounce words. I would have enjoyed that more than hearing about Miyoung's repetitive musings on her choices. Maybe I'm being too harsh and the author really picked up on her grandmother's lack of confidence. Grandma didn't have much of a choice of going to Japan. She sure did persevere and overcome much of her traditional teaching. The last chapters really picked up and we saw Miyoung dealing with a very dangerous situation and coming into her own.She was due some good luck after all she'd gone through. I liked and admired her . . . . I just didn't like the repetitive narrative.
I get it that the food is spicer and some comparison is helpful. If it's to instruct us then I'd like some hint of how to pronounce words. I would have enjoyed that more than hearing about Miyoung's repetitive musings on her choices. Maybe I'm being too harsh and the author really picked up on her grandmother's lack of confidence. Grandma didn't have much of a choice of going to Japan. She sure did persevere and overcome much of her traditional teaching. The last chapters really picked up and we saw Miyoung dealing with a very dangerous situation and coming into her own.She was due some good luck after all she'd gone through. I liked and admired her . . . . I just didn't like the repetitive narrative.
April 25, 2025
The tale about the treatment of the Korean people and the determination of a young Korean woman to secure an education and a career is heartwarming and informative. However, the novel lacks structure and is repetitive. A thorough edit would work wonders.
December 21, 2025
Based on the life story of the author’s grandmother, this book is historical fiction that tells the story of Miyoung, an eleven-year-old Korean girl who leaves her village near Pyongyang in 1928 to join her older sister in Kyoto, Japan. Once there, she must assume the Japanese name Miyoko and hide her Korean identity to survive the rising anti-Korean sentiment in Japan. It covers the next fifteen years of her life.
Miyoung is “passing” as Japanese. She desires to express her Korean heritage but is faced with anti-Korean rules and prejudices. The book also touches on the persecution Koreans faced during the Japanese occupation of Korea. I enjoyed the setup and the first half, but it gets a bit melodramatic during the “romance” phase. The prose style is straight-forward, and there is a bit of repetition. I think it succeeds in highlighting a lesser covered period in history and will appeal to those who enjoy stories of strong resilient women.
Miyoung is “passing” as Japanese. She desires to express her Korean heritage but is faced with anti-Korean rules and prejudices. The book also touches on the persecution Koreans faced during the Japanese occupation of Korea. I enjoyed the setup and the first half, but it gets a bit melodramatic during the “romance” phase. The prose style is straight-forward, and there is a bit of repetition. I think it succeeds in highlighting a lesser covered period in history and will appeal to those who enjoy stories of strong resilient women.
August 29, 2024
I started off really well: a young poor rural girl in a Japanese dominated Korea sees her sister being married off abroad. A studious clever girl, with no prospect of further education, she's drawn to the western church of which a beloved teacher is a member.
She is allowed to continue her education in Japan, moving in with her unhappy married sister.
From there the book lost its charm for me in terms of plot, but the historical setting and cultural intricacies of Korean people in Japan at the onset of WW2 is/was interesting.
The plot, or lack thereof, was later explained to be a retelling of a family member of the author.
Not my cup of tea, but each to its own.
I received a copy from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.
She is allowed to continue her education in Japan, moving in with her unhappy married sister.
From there the book lost its charm for me in terms of plot, but the historical setting and cultural intricacies of Korean people in Japan at the onset of WW2 is/was interesting.
The plot, or lack thereof, was later explained to be a retelling of a family member of the author.
Not my cup of tea, but each to its own.
I received a copy from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.
February 1, 2025
Most widely read stories about the World Wars tend to center around a Western perspective. Over the past few years, I’ve been intentionally seeking narratives from other parts of the world, especially Asia, the land I’m from, to explore history through a different lens
This book was a powerful testament to resilience and strength, offering a perspective that challenged and deepened my understanding of war, survival, and the human spirit. The writing was smooth, the pacing well-balanced, and the storytelling immersive. It left me reflecting on life in new and profound ways
Couldn’t have asked for a better start to my 2025 reading journey—this one truly set the bar high!
This book was a powerful testament to resilience and strength, offering a perspective that challenged and deepened my understanding of war, survival, and the human spirit. The writing was smooth, the pacing well-balanced, and the storytelling immersive. It left me reflecting on life in new and profound ways
Couldn’t have asked for a better start to my 2025 reading journey—this one truly set the bar high!
January 18, 2025
I was sent an ARC in exchange for a review.
Historical fiction is my jam. I am working to expand my TBR list to be more diverse and was thrilled to receive this one.
This was one of the best books I've read in some time. Additionally, it was my first experience with this author.
The book follows a Korean family, focusing on the sisters. The author did great weaving in political and cultural nuances without coming off judgy.
We start our journey in rural Korea learning about Korean culture and family dynamics including gender roles. We follow the sisters to Japan in search of a better life. The growth of the sisters leads to their separation and only one returns to Korea.
I highly recommend this one!
Historical fiction is my jam. I am working to expand my TBR list to be more diverse and was thrilled to receive this one.
This was one of the best books I've read in some time. Additionally, it was my first experience with this author.
The book follows a Korean family, focusing on the sisters. The author did great weaving in political and cultural nuances without coming off judgy.
We start our journey in rural Korea learning about Korean culture and family dynamics including gender roles. We follow the sisters to Japan in search of a better life. The growth of the sisters leads to their separation and only one returns to Korea.
I highly recommend this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2025
2.5 stars rounded down.
The writing is much too simplistic and repetitive. The author tells the story rather than shows it and with that there is a lack of attachment to the characters. The ending was much too abrupt as if the author ran out of time; there were easily 4-5 chapter mid-novel that did not contribute much to the movement of the story and could have been eliminated.
The author’s note at the end saying this was, for the most part, her grandmother’s story was probably the most interesting. There was more emotion and voice in that than the entire novel.
The writing is much too simplistic and repetitive. The author tells the story rather than shows it and with that there is a lack of attachment to the characters. The ending was much too abrupt as if the author ran out of time; there were easily 4-5 chapter mid-novel that did not contribute much to the movement of the story and could have been eliminated.
The author’s note at the end saying this was, for the most part, her grandmother’s story was probably the most interesting. There was more emotion and voice in that than the entire novel.
January 20, 2025
Author’s note is the best part
I really liked the story itself, but unfortunately, the writing itself was not great. When I got to the author’s note, I was very inspired by her, and her family. I so wish she could have found the voice she used in her notes, and infused it into the book.
I really liked the story itself, but unfortunately, the writing itself was not great. When I got to the author’s note, I was very inspired by her, and her family. I so wish she could have found the voice she used in her notes, and infused it into the book.
July 8, 2024
The incredible journey of a young Korean girl that moved to Japan in the 1930’s. Navigating a new country, new language, new religion and facing deeply integrated racism, Miyoung is full of hopes, dreams and determination.
This book was beautifully written and truly heartbreaking. Miyoung’s story was equal parts tragic and fascinating. Her character had an unbelievable amount of resilience to achieve the things she did in the face of oppression and racism and I couldn’t stop reading.
At the end of the book, understanding this novel was based off the own authors family and heritage really took this book to a whole new level. Truly inspiring!
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was beautifully written and truly heartbreaking. Miyoung’s story was equal parts tragic and fascinating. Her character had an unbelievable amount of resilience to achieve the things she did in the face of oppression and racism and I couldn’t stop reading.
At the end of the book, understanding this novel was based off the own authors family and heritage really took this book to a whole new level. Truly inspiring!
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2024
Rather than showing, the author resorts to telling and explaining everything constantly. The redundancy really drags the pacing and made it very hard for me to stay engaged and immerse myself in the story.
November 19, 2024
The story was good but the execution was poor. Pages and pages of repetitive thoughts which were written in a simple and sometimes clumsy way. The main character drove me crazy. And then, a very abrupt ending - felt like the author ran out of time. I’d chosen to erase 5 middle chapters but add a couple at the end to bring the story full circle and let the reader find out how all the worries we so painstakingly read for pages on end played out.
Is this a play for a sequel? If so, I will not find out how this story ends.
Is this a play for a sequel? If so, I will not find out how this story ends.
December 23, 2024
There was a good story here-Korea and Japan pre and post-WWII, the prejudice suffered by Korean nationals, and the steps many Koreans took to survive. However, it is way too long with so much repetition and redundancy; I found myself skimming the latter third. The book would have benefitted from good editing.
December 3, 2024
White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton. Thanks to @kayepublicity for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eleven year old Miyoung leaves Korea to live in Japan with her old sister. To survive and thrive in the anti-Korean territory, she passed as Japanese but fears her true identity slipping every day.
I didn’t realize until the author’s note at the end that this was a true story of her grandmother! It was a fascinating tale and shed light on the Japanese occupation of Korea, something I knew little about. If you enjoy stories about women ahead of their times, and introductions to new cultures, this is a great one. Definitely read the author’s note at the end because it is very informative and brings the story to true life.
White Mulberry came out 12/1 and is available now.
Eleven year old Miyoung leaves Korea to live in Japan with her old sister. To survive and thrive in the anti-Korean territory, she passed as Japanese but fears her true identity slipping every day.
I didn’t realize until the author’s note at the end that this was a true story of her grandmother! It was a fascinating tale and shed light on the Japanese occupation of Korea, something I knew little about. If you enjoy stories about women ahead of their times, and introductions to new cultures, this is a great one. Definitely read the author’s note at the end because it is very informative and brings the story to true life.
White Mulberry came out 12/1 and is available now.
January 11, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
August 5, 2024
This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are many things I enjoyed about the White mulberry, starting from the locations and life situations it led me through as a reader to the determination of its main character. Seeing that this was a book written mostly based on someone's life story (with minimal changes from what I understand), there would be little point in me addressing the plot, and I had no significant issues with that in any case.
The writing style is quite enjoyable, though I have to say that I had a bit of a difficulty in feeling strongly for the characters, so I connected with the situations and themes much more than the character of Miyeong's husband for example. I appreciated the sisterly bond that kept appearing throughout the story and it was a pleasant surprise that the sister I expected to be a tragic side character has found some sort of happiness for helself in spite of the circumstances and that the male character Miyoung had lived with for her first few years of her Japanese stay had also defied my expectations and was much less stereotypical than I feared he would be.
While religion is something I don't connect with and distance myself from, it was interesting to see how it could influence the lives of these specific people in this historical period, and especially how it affected Miyoung who needed a supportive community, which her church provided.
The strength of the main character and how she tackles all her challenges even in the midst of the biggest uncertainties is commendable. She's not perfect, she's only human, but she genuinely does her best for her own future and for the sake of those she cares about.
There's one issue however that I have to raise about this book that keeps me from giving it the high rating that it would deserve based on the story and the storytelling alone. From the very first chapters, back when Miyoung still lives in Korea, the author makes the repeated choice of writing things both in Korean and English right next to each other, or using the Korean as a spoken line, and then dedicating the rest of the sentence to explain what was said in English. This broke the rythm of reading for me in an incredibly frustrating way and took away so much from the reading experience. Often it felt like the flow was just abruptly stopped, as if we've hit a wall, and sometimes I felt like a teacher just stopped whatever was going on to explain to us readers the language or the cultural tidbits we need to know in a classroom-like manner. This didn't fit into the narrative smootly enough to be enjoyable and I would have much preferred to see many of these in English where the words didn't carry extra importance in their Korean form, and when they were important, it could have been numbered as a footnote the reader can tap on (in case of an ebook - alternatively looking at the bottom of the page or the back of the chapter in print).
Yes, I understand that identity and language are closely tied, especially in this story, but I also believe that at least half of these repetitions and teaching sessions could have been left behind or changed for a better reading experience. I've read other works where the foreign vocabulary and the language shifts were handled in a way that didn't make me yell in frustration, such as the Last night at the telegraph club, so I know it should be possible.
I sincerely hope that one day I'll be able to see a version of this book in a more "reader-friendly" version in this aspect, because other than this linguistic issue, I genuinely enjoyed the story and its themes of fitting in, tackling challenges, forging bonds and finding one's identity.
There are many things I enjoyed about the White mulberry, starting from the locations and life situations it led me through as a reader to the determination of its main character. Seeing that this was a book written mostly based on someone's life story (with minimal changes from what I understand), there would be little point in me addressing the plot, and I had no significant issues with that in any case.
The writing style is quite enjoyable, though I have to say that I had a bit of a difficulty in feeling strongly for the characters, so I connected with the situations and themes much more than the character of Miyeong's husband for example. I appreciated the sisterly bond that kept appearing throughout the story and it was a pleasant surprise that the sister I expected to be a tragic side character has found some sort of happiness for helself in spite of the circumstances and that the male character Miyoung had lived with for her first few years of her Japanese stay had also defied my expectations and was much less stereotypical than I feared he would be.
While religion is something I don't connect with and distance myself from, it was interesting to see how it could influence the lives of these specific people in this historical period, and especially how it affected Miyoung who needed a supportive community, which her church provided.
The strength of the main character and how she tackles all her challenges even in the midst of the biggest uncertainties is commendable. She's not perfect, she's only human, but she genuinely does her best for her own future and for the sake of those she cares about.
There's one issue however that I have to raise about this book that keeps me from giving it the high rating that it would deserve based on the story and the storytelling alone. From the very first chapters, back when Miyoung still lives in Korea, the author makes the repeated choice of writing things both in Korean and English right next to each other, or using the Korean as a spoken line, and then dedicating the rest of the sentence to explain what was said in English. This broke the rythm of reading for me in an incredibly frustrating way and took away so much from the reading experience. Often it felt like the flow was just abruptly stopped, as if we've hit a wall, and sometimes I felt like a teacher just stopped whatever was going on to explain to us readers the language or the cultural tidbits we need to know in a classroom-like manner. This didn't fit into the narrative smootly enough to be enjoyable and I would have much preferred to see many of these in English where the words didn't carry extra importance in their Korean form, and when they were important, it could have been numbered as a footnote the reader can tap on (in case of an ebook - alternatively looking at the bottom of the page or the back of the chapter in print).
Yes, I understand that identity and language are closely tied, especially in this story, but I also believe that at least half of these repetitions and teaching sessions could have been left behind or changed for a better reading experience. I've read other works where the foreign vocabulary and the language shifts were handled in a way that didn't make me yell in frustration, such as the Last night at the telegraph club, so I know it should be possible.
I sincerely hope that one day I'll be able to see a version of this book in a more "reader-friendly" version in this aspect, because other than this linguistic issue, I genuinely enjoyed the story and its themes of fitting in, tackling challenges, forging bonds and finding one's identity.
March 16, 2025
I learned a lot about the Japanese occupation of Korea in the WWII era. The novel is based on the true story of the authors grandmother. While the writing at times was too simplistic or overtly introspective, I enjoyed it
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September 17, 2025White Mulberry was the August choice for my university alumni book club and I was so excited to (1) support a debut author and (2) read a riveting story about a resilient immigrant who was so focused on getting an education. This coming-of-age story is 90% memoir (author’s grandmother) and 10% fiction (character’s backstory) and is set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1928.
My biggest takeaway?
𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬.
This was a 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙; it’s the first book club read through my university - the university that trained me as a teacher - post early retirement. I had so many questions as I pondered stepping back from teaching and it was good to be reminded that I’m still a teacher, but I’m so much more than this identity I’ve had for 35 years. Like the author and her grandmother, I was a child immigrant. Miyoung reminded me that I am a product of both my cultures and need to allow both to shine.
𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞!
So the title first. I discovered that despite mulberry trees being prevalent in North Korea, white ones are rare. So is 11-year-old Miyoung. She wants to contest her arranged marriage, experience independence, and get an education….all things not done at this time in history. This motif (both white and mulberry) is recurrent throughout the book. Did you notice the sun? It’s not quite red like the one in the Japanese flag, just as Miyoung is not quite Japanese. She’s also moving away in the cover; note her feet stepping, her daenggi is flowing with her movement, and you may be able to notice the paper choice of the cover. Did you know it was mulberry paper? What great texture it adds to the cover.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how Miyoung found relief in an occupied country, how she relied on her faith, and how her teacher encouraged her to focus on hope. I may not retain all the historical background of this novel, but I’ll remember how she found ways to linger in joy.
𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛?
Hearing about the character from her granddaughter! At 95 years old, Rosa’s grandmother was an elder in her Korean church and was still dedicated to the importance of education. She saved her money to provide scholarships for the less fortunate. Her faith and her dream sustained her throughout her life. The author captured her grandmother’s legacy well and I was excited to hear that the sequel, Red Seal, is due to be released in Fall 2026!
My biggest takeaway?
𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬.
This was a 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙; it’s the first book club read through my university - the university that trained me as a teacher - post early retirement. I had so many questions as I pondered stepping back from teaching and it was good to be reminded that I’m still a teacher, but I’m so much more than this identity I’ve had for 35 years. Like the author and her grandmother, I was a child immigrant. Miyoung reminded me that I am a product of both my cultures and need to allow both to shine.
𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞!
So the title first. I discovered that despite mulberry trees being prevalent in North Korea, white ones are rare. So is 11-year-old Miyoung. She wants to contest her arranged marriage, experience independence, and get an education….all things not done at this time in history. This motif (both white and mulberry) is recurrent throughout the book. Did you notice the sun? It’s not quite red like the one in the Japanese flag, just as Miyoung is not quite Japanese. She’s also moving away in the cover; note her feet stepping, her daenggi is flowing with her movement, and you may be able to notice the paper choice of the cover. Did you know it was mulberry paper? What great texture it adds to the cover.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how Miyoung found relief in an occupied country, how she relied on her faith, and how her teacher encouraged her to focus on hope. I may not retain all the historical background of this novel, but I’ll remember how she found ways to linger in joy.
𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛?
Hearing about the character from her granddaughter! At 95 years old, Rosa’s grandmother was an elder in her Korean church and was still dedicated to the importance of education. She saved her money to provide scholarships for the less fortunate. Her faith and her dream sustained her throughout her life. The author captured her grandmother’s legacy well and I was excited to hear that the sequel, Red Seal, is due to be released in Fall 2026!
November 25, 2024
A beautiful story of love across generations and borders. The author paints a vivid portrait of life in Korea, then Japan in World War II and the years preceding it. I loved how each character had depth and how vivid the imagery was.
February 5, 2025
“Go on. Tell him how Korea has a history, even though the Japanese say we don’t.”
if there is one thing i took away from “white mulberry”, it’s that every occupying state is fundamentally the same.
the novel, inspired by the life of easton’s own grandmother, follows miyoung—a young girl from a small village in korea who attempts to escape her predetermined life path of a wife and a mother by moving to live with her older sister in japan. spanning over a decade, it’s a story of both personal and national struggle, of finding one’s identity as a person in a land that was altered by force.
the descriptions of persecution (both ethnic and religious), the use of koreans essentially as fodder for the war, the hardships of women seeking better life prospects were the aspects that pulled me in the most. miyoung’s life is rifled with tragedy and loss, yet there is always hope to cling to. the interpersonal conflicts felt compelling and you could tell a good amount of thorough research was put into portraying the society of japan and occupied korea in the 30s and 40s, as well as miyoung’s career of choice—nursing and, further down the line, midwifery.
unfortunately, i found the writing style very lacklustre. it worked better in the earlier chapters, where miyoung was still a young girl, but as she aged up, it was not very compelling. her self doubts felt repetitive, and some of her lucky chances appeared too lucky. overall, it felt more like a young adult novel despite being shelved as adult.
nevertheless, “white mulberry” is an insightful look into life under occupation and the persistence of one woman despite the whole world standing in her way.
thanks to netgalley and lake union publishing for the arc.
if there is one thing i took away from “white mulberry”, it’s that every occupying state is fundamentally the same.
the novel, inspired by the life of easton’s own grandmother, follows miyoung—a young girl from a small village in korea who attempts to escape her predetermined life path of a wife and a mother by moving to live with her older sister in japan. spanning over a decade, it’s a story of both personal and national struggle, of finding one’s identity as a person in a land that was altered by force.
the descriptions of persecution (both ethnic and religious), the use of koreans essentially as fodder for the war, the hardships of women seeking better life prospects were the aspects that pulled me in the most. miyoung’s life is rifled with tragedy and loss, yet there is always hope to cling to. the interpersonal conflicts felt compelling and you could tell a good amount of thorough research was put into portraying the society of japan and occupied korea in the 30s and 40s, as well as miyoung’s career of choice—nursing and, further down the line, midwifery.
unfortunately, i found the writing style very lacklustre. it worked better in the earlier chapters, where miyoung was still a young girl, but as she aged up, it was not very compelling. her self doubts felt repetitive, and some of her lucky chances appeared too lucky. overall, it felt more like a young adult novel despite being shelved as adult.
nevertheless, “white mulberry” is an insightful look into life under occupation and the persistence of one woman despite the whole world standing in her way.
thanks to netgalley and lake union publishing for the arc.
November 22, 2024
White Mulberry, Rosa Kwon Easton's debut novel, weaves an intricate tapestry of cultural identity, maternal love, and personal transformation against the backdrop of Japanese-occupied Korea and pre-World War II Japan. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother's life story, Easton crafts a narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary discussions about immigration, assimilation, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Historical Context and Setting
The story unfolds in 1928 Korea, during the Japanese occupation, and follows the journey of eleven-year-old Miyoung as she navigates between two worlds. Easton masterfully depicts the political tensions and social dynamics of the era, particularly the discrimination faced by Koreans living in Japan. The author's meticulous research shines through in her detailed portrayal of daily life, customs, and the growing militarization of Japanese society in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Narrative Structure and Style
Easton employs a linear narrative structure that effectively traces Miyoung's transformation from a spirited village girl to a resilient young woman. The prose is elegant and measured, with occasional bursts of lyrical description that bring the setting to life. However, some readers might find the pacing in the middle section slightly uneven, particularly during Miyoung's early years in Japan.
Character Development
Strengths:
- The protagonist's evolution from Miyoung to Miyoko is beautifully rendered, showcasing the complexities of cultural assimilation
- Supporting characters, especially Bohbeh and Hojoon, are well-developed with distinct personalities
- The relationship between Miyoung and her son Ko-chan is portrayed with nuance and emotional depth
Areas for Improvement:
- Some secondary characters, particularly the Japanese antagonists, occasionally verge on stereotypical
- The character of Taeyoung could have been more fully developed given his significance to the story
- The transformation of Halmeoni's attitude toward Ko-chan feels somewhat abrupt
Themes and Symbolism
The white mulberry tree serves as a powerful central metaphor throughout the novel, representing both Miyoung's Korean roots and her ability to adapt and survive in hostile conditions. Other recurring themes include:
- The tension between personal identity and survival
- The sacrifices and strength of motherhood
- The role of faith and community in preserving cultural identity
- The impact of colonialism on individual lives
- The power of education and professional achievement in women's lives
Writing Craft
Easton's background as a lawyer is evident in her precise, thoughtful prose. Her descriptions of medical procedures and nursing duties demonstrate careful research, lending authenticity to Miyoung's professional journey. However, there are occasions where the dialogue feels slightly stilted, particularly in emotional scenes.
Cultural Authenticity
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its authentic portrayal of the Korean immigrant experience in pre-war Japan. Easton skillfully depicts the painful choices faced by Koreans who had to hide their identity to survive, while also exploring the psychological toll of such decisions.
Critical Analysis
What Works Well:
- Rich historical detail and context
- Complex exploration of identity and assimilation
- Strong mother-child relationships
- Vivid sense of place and time
- Compelling narrative arc
Areas for Development:
- Pacing issues in certain sections
- Some predictable plot elements
- Occasional overreliance on coincidence to move the story forward
- Could benefit from more nuanced antagonists
Impact and Relevance
White Mulberry resonates strongly with contemporary discussions about immigration, racial discrimination, and cultural identity. The novel's themes of maternal sacrifice and survival echo through generations, making it particularly relevant to modern readers grappling with similar issues of belonging and identity.
Final Verdict
White Mulberry is an impressive debut that successfully balances historical detail with emotional depth. Despite some minor flaws, the novel effectively captures the complexity of the Korean immigrant experience in pre-war Japan while telling a deeply human story about motherhood, identity, and survival.
Historical Context and Setting
The story unfolds in 1928 Korea, during the Japanese occupation, and follows the journey of eleven-year-old Miyoung as she navigates between two worlds. Easton masterfully depicts the political tensions and social dynamics of the era, particularly the discrimination faced by Koreans living in Japan. The author's meticulous research shines through in her detailed portrayal of daily life, customs, and the growing militarization of Japanese society in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Narrative Structure and Style
Easton employs a linear narrative structure that effectively traces Miyoung's transformation from a spirited village girl to a resilient young woman. The prose is elegant and measured, with occasional bursts of lyrical description that bring the setting to life. However, some readers might find the pacing in the middle section slightly uneven, particularly during Miyoung's early years in Japan.
Character Development
Strengths:
- The protagonist's evolution from Miyoung to Miyoko is beautifully rendered, showcasing the complexities of cultural assimilation
- Supporting characters, especially Bohbeh and Hojoon, are well-developed with distinct personalities
- The relationship between Miyoung and her son Ko-chan is portrayed with nuance and emotional depth
Areas for Improvement:
- Some secondary characters, particularly the Japanese antagonists, occasionally verge on stereotypical
- The character of Taeyoung could have been more fully developed given his significance to the story
- The transformation of Halmeoni's attitude toward Ko-chan feels somewhat abrupt
Themes and Symbolism
The white mulberry tree serves as a powerful central metaphor throughout the novel, representing both Miyoung's Korean roots and her ability to adapt and survive in hostile conditions. Other recurring themes include:
- The tension between personal identity and survival
- The sacrifices and strength of motherhood
- The role of faith and community in preserving cultural identity
- The impact of colonialism on individual lives
- The power of education and professional achievement in women's lives
Writing Craft
Easton's background as a lawyer is evident in her precise, thoughtful prose. Her descriptions of medical procedures and nursing duties demonstrate careful research, lending authenticity to Miyoung's professional journey. However, there are occasions where the dialogue feels slightly stilted, particularly in emotional scenes.
Cultural Authenticity
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its authentic portrayal of the Korean immigrant experience in pre-war Japan. Easton skillfully depicts the painful choices faced by Koreans who had to hide their identity to survive, while also exploring the psychological toll of such decisions.
Critical Analysis
What Works Well:
- Rich historical detail and context
- Complex exploration of identity and assimilation
- Strong mother-child relationships
- Vivid sense of place and time
- Compelling narrative arc
Areas for Development:
- Pacing issues in certain sections
- Some predictable plot elements
- Occasional overreliance on coincidence to move the story forward
- Could benefit from more nuanced antagonists
Impact and Relevance
White Mulberry resonates strongly with contemporary discussions about immigration, racial discrimination, and cultural identity. The novel's themes of maternal sacrifice and survival echo through generations, making it particularly relevant to modern readers grappling with similar issues of belonging and identity.
Final Verdict
White Mulberry is an impressive debut that successfully balances historical detail with emotional depth. Despite some minor flaws, the novel effectively captures the complexity of the Korean immigrant experience in pre-war Japan while telling a deeply human story about motherhood, identity, and survival.
July 3, 2025
DNF, 66%
I was trying to power through this but at a certain point I just wondered why. I wanted to read about the Japanese occupation of Korea, but unfortunately this writing is repetitive and just not very good.
I was trying to power through this but at a certain point I just wondered why. I wanted to read about the Japanese occupation of Korea, but unfortunately this writing is repetitive and just not very good.
August 4, 2024
4/5 stars
⋆ ★ Some thoughts ⋆ ★
◦ Amazing writing and narration - the book is so immersive.
◦ The characters are well developed but their motives are repeated many times over the book - Miyoung looks out for her infant son, and how she must stick to her nursing job to provide for him, and many other other instances as this is recurrent. Sometimes, these personal motifs don't align with the ending. For example, Miyoung barely spends time with her son but that kid (who's grown up all his life with his paternal grandparents) is okay to move countries with her - he doesn't even throw a tantrum. So, personally, it feels like the author could've added some more depth to the conflicts the characters face, before resolving them.
◦ I enjoy historical fiction, especially about East Asia so this was truly enjoyable for me. The author has done amazing research on Koreans who were expats in Japan and how horrible the war was and the intricacies of it.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing with me an advanced readers copy.
⋆ ★ Summary from the blurb ⋆ ★
1928, Japan-occupied Korea. Eleven-year-old Miyoung has dreams too big for her tiny farming village near to become a teacher, to avoid an arranged marriage, to write her own future. When she is offered the chance to live with her older sister in Japan and continue her education, she is elated, even though it means leaving her sick mother—and her very name—behind.
In Kyoto, anti-Korean sentiment is rising every day, and Miyoung quickly realizes she must pass as Japanese if she expects to survive. Her Japanese name, Miyoko, helps her find a new calling as a nurse, but as the years go by, she fears that her true self is slipping away. She seeks solace in a Korean church group and, within it, finds something she never a romance with an activist that reignites her sense of purpose and gives her a cherished son.
As war looms on a new front and Miyoung feels the constraints of her adopted home tighten, she is faced with a choice that will change her life—and the lives of those she loves—forever.
⋆ ★ Some thoughts ⋆ ★
◦ Amazing writing and narration - the book is so immersive.
◦ The characters are well developed but their motives are repeated many times over the book - Miyoung looks out for her infant son, and how she must stick to her nursing job to provide for him, and many other other instances as this is recurrent. Sometimes, these personal motifs don't align with the ending. For example, Miyoung barely spends time with her son but that kid (who's grown up all his life with his paternal grandparents) is okay to move countries with her - he doesn't even throw a tantrum. So, personally, it feels like the author could've added some more depth to the conflicts the characters face, before resolving them.
◦ I enjoy historical fiction, especially about East Asia so this was truly enjoyable for me. The author has done amazing research on Koreans who were expats in Japan and how horrible the war was and the intricacies of it.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing with me an advanced readers copy.
⋆ ★ Summary from the blurb ⋆ ★
1928, Japan-occupied Korea. Eleven-year-old Miyoung has dreams too big for her tiny farming village near to become a teacher, to avoid an arranged marriage, to write her own future. When she is offered the chance to live with her older sister in Japan and continue her education, she is elated, even though it means leaving her sick mother—and her very name—behind.
In Kyoto, anti-Korean sentiment is rising every day, and Miyoung quickly realizes she must pass as Japanese if she expects to survive. Her Japanese name, Miyoko, helps her find a new calling as a nurse, but as the years go by, she fears that her true self is slipping away. She seeks solace in a Korean church group and, within it, finds something she never a romance with an activist that reignites her sense of purpose and gives her a cherished son.
As war looms on a new front and Miyoung feels the constraints of her adopted home tighten, she is faced with a choice that will change her life—and the lives of those she loves—forever.
November 13, 2024
Kindle First Reads November 2024
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I like reading historical fiction, especially in places I'm unfamiliar with. I did know a little bit about the Japanese and Korea conflicts in the early 20th century. See The Island of the Sea Women by Lisa See, or Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, for more fiction set in the same time and place.
It's also interesting to note that this novel is based on the true-life story of the Rosa Kwon Easton's grandmother. I didn't realize this till I read the author's note at the end. This certainly adds authenticity to the plot.
However, I struggled with the actual writing here. I found the narrative to be repetitive. Miyoung had the same reactions, questions, worries, and challenges again and again. Turn a couple of (Kindle) pages, and she's repeating the same things. What to do? Does Hojoon really love her? Should she strive to be a teacher? A nurse? And so on.
To be sure, this is not unusual in terms of how people think. We do repeat our thoughts. But to me, it dragged down the story line. Consequently, this was not a book I couldn't wait to pick up and get back to reading. I found the pace slow, for the most part.
In addition, some of the phrasing was either too simple, or a bit awkward. I even wondered, at the beginning, if this was meant to be a YA book (Miyoung is 13 years old when we meet her, after all). Then I wondered if the author was not a native speaker, which, I learned, is true. Rosa Kwon Easton immigrated to the US from Korea as a child. This was less of a problem than the repetitiveness. Still, I wish the editor had done a better job making the narrative flow.
Overall, I did learn from this book. We are taken into the world of war, and we experience discrimination towards an entire class of people.There's a wealth of Korean and Japanese vocabulary, and much information about culture, manners, dress, etc. That was, perhaps, the best part.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I like reading historical fiction, especially in places I'm unfamiliar with. I did know a little bit about the Japanese and Korea conflicts in the early 20th century. See The Island of the Sea Women by Lisa See, or Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, for more fiction set in the same time and place.
It's also interesting to note that this novel is based on the true-life story of the Rosa Kwon Easton's grandmother. I didn't realize this till I read the author's note at the end. This certainly adds authenticity to the plot.
However, I struggled with the actual writing here. I found the narrative to be repetitive. Miyoung had the same reactions, questions, worries, and challenges again and again. Turn a couple of (Kindle) pages, and she's repeating the same things. What to do? Does Hojoon really love her? Should she strive to be a teacher? A nurse? And so on.
To be sure, this is not unusual in terms of how people think. We do repeat our thoughts. But to me, it dragged down the story line. Consequently, this was not a book I couldn't wait to pick up and get back to reading. I found the pace slow, for the most part.
In addition, some of the phrasing was either too simple, or a bit awkward. I even wondered, at the beginning, if this was meant to be a YA book (Miyoung is 13 years old when we meet her, after all). Then I wondered if the author was not a native speaker, which, I learned, is true. Rosa Kwon Easton immigrated to the US from Korea as a child. This was less of a problem than the repetitiveness. Still, I wish the editor had done a better job making the narrative flow.
Overall, I did learn from this book. We are taken into the world of war, and we experience discrimination towards an entire class of people.There's a wealth of Korean and Japanese vocabulary, and much information about culture, manners, dress, etc. That was, perhaps, the best part.
August 6, 2024
Based on a true story, White Mulberry follows the story of a young girl living in occupied Korea. Forced to move to Japan to continue her education and escape an unwanted marriage, Miyoung must navigate love and loss, freedom and persecution in a country that promises her a future in exchange for rejecting her past.
Easton draws from the stories of her family to paint a picture of Korea during a period seldom talked about. Set between 1928 and 1943, the impact of Japan's growing military efforts in the war is felt deeply by those under occupation. Rich in historical and cultural details the novel brings to light the hardships endured by Koreans both living at home and in Japan, whilst acknowledging the community and sense of identity people were able to preserve in the most unlikely circumstances.
Peppered with traditional Korean and Japanese phrases along with detailed descriptions of authentic dishes, cultural practices and historic events, Easton painted an immersive picture of life in both Korea and Japan that draws the reader in. Unfortunately this attention to detail didn't extend to the dialogue which felt stilted and lacked finesse. As a result I found it difficult to create an emotional connection to the characters. The novel suffered from a 'show me don't tell me dilemma' wherein we were told about the protagonists feelings and thoughts on a situation, rather being shown them through storytelling. In some places it felt like a recitation of events rather than a novel, perhaps because -as Easton explains - it is a fictionalised account of her own grandmothers life. I'm left wondering if the book would have fared better as a biographical account of events rather than a novel.
Easton draws from the stories of her family to paint a picture of Korea during a period seldom talked about. Set between 1928 and 1943, the impact of Japan's growing military efforts in the war is felt deeply by those under occupation. Rich in historical and cultural details the novel brings to light the hardships endured by Koreans both living at home and in Japan, whilst acknowledging the community and sense of identity people were able to preserve in the most unlikely circumstances.
Peppered with traditional Korean and Japanese phrases along with detailed descriptions of authentic dishes, cultural practices and historic events, Easton painted an immersive picture of life in both Korea and Japan that draws the reader in. Unfortunately this attention to detail didn't extend to the dialogue which felt stilted and lacked finesse. As a result I found it difficult to create an emotional connection to the characters. The novel suffered from a 'show me don't tell me dilemma' wherein we were told about the protagonists feelings and thoughts on a situation, rather being shown them through storytelling. In some places it felt like a recitation of events rather than a novel, perhaps because -as Easton explains - it is a fictionalised account of her own grandmothers life. I'm left wondering if the book would have fared better as a biographical account of events rather than a novel.
July 15, 2024
This novel is inspired by the true-to-life story of a young Korean woman who defied all odds and overcame poverty, patriarchy, and the racism that threatened to shatter her dreams and destroy her spirit.
Miyoung's story is marked by heartache and loss, and this profound sadness is so palpable that I, as a reader, found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her until the very end!
I loved that she's a woman who refuses to give up and she's loyal to those she loves. This wasn't easy, especially given the challenging circumstances of the story's setting in 1928, during Japan's occupation of Korea. Amidst rising anti-Korean sentiment, Koreans residing in Kyoto were forced to conceal their true identities, learn to speak the Japanese language flawlessly, and adopt Japanese names to avoid arousing suspicion and secure employment.
Midway through the book, I felt the pacing slow down and some parts felt repetitive, but despite that, I found it to be a satisfying read on the whole.
Some parts of this book reminded me of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko. So if you have enjoyed that book, you'll love White Mulberry.
I obtained a digital e-ARC of this book through Netgalley. As always, my review is honest and unbiased.
Miyoung's story is marked by heartache and loss, and this profound sadness is so palpable that I, as a reader, found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her until the very end!
I loved that she's a woman who refuses to give up and she's loyal to those she loves. This wasn't easy, especially given the challenging circumstances of the story's setting in 1928, during Japan's occupation of Korea. Amidst rising anti-Korean sentiment, Koreans residing in Kyoto were forced to conceal their true identities, learn to speak the Japanese language flawlessly, and adopt Japanese names to avoid arousing suspicion and secure employment.
Midway through the book, I felt the pacing slow down and some parts felt repetitive, but despite that, I found it to be a satisfying read on the whole.
Some parts of this book reminded me of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko. So if you have enjoyed that book, you'll love White Mulberry.
I obtained a digital e-ARC of this book through Netgalley. As always, my review is honest and unbiased.
February 1, 2025
Very sweet and heart-felt historical fiction about the author’s grandma. I loved how she explained the Korean and Japanese cultures with their names and English translations. It was incredibly interesting, yet I found it difficult to plough through with the very simple English words and lack of prose. I would have thought this was a 4th grade novel if it weren’t for the “spicy” elements. Overall, I’m glad I read it because it was mostly true and built on stories from halmeoni.
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