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Falling Wisteria: A Novel
As America enters WWII, two women on the home front strive to stay strong in a heartfelt novel about hope, friendship, and family by the bestselling author of
Yellow Crocus
and
Golden Poppies
.
Kay Lynn Brooke is a wife and mother in Berkeley, California, building a solid future with her husband and family. Then on December 7, 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor throws Kay Lynn’s life, and the lives of everyone she knows and loves, into chaos.
Within weeks, Kay Lynn’s dearest friend, Kimiko, is forcibly relocated with her family to an internment camp. Kay Lynn’s brother, fortified with a youthful and patriotic spirit, ships out for the Pacific. Her husband enlists ahead of the draft and leaves home for basic training, while Kay Lynn’s sister works for the war effort on the home front—and holds a secret that places her in a different kind of danger.
As Kay Lynn struggles to parent, keep the household together, and challenge the social mores of the time, she both finds and gives strength through her letters to Kimiko. Over the next few uncertain years, and longing for the safe and simple clarity of the past, Kay Lynn has no choice but to find her own place and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Kay Lynn Brooke is a wife and mother in Berkeley, California, building a solid future with her husband and family. Then on December 7, 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor throws Kay Lynn’s life, and the lives of everyone she knows and loves, into chaos.
Within weeks, Kay Lynn’s dearest friend, Kimiko, is forcibly relocated with her family to an internment camp. Kay Lynn’s brother, fortified with a youthful and patriotic spirit, ships out for the Pacific. Her husband enlists ahead of the draft and leaves home for basic training, while Kay Lynn’s sister works for the war effort on the home front—and holds a secret that places her in a different kind of danger.
As Kay Lynn struggles to parent, keep the household together, and challenge the social mores of the time, she both finds and gives strength through her letters to Kimiko. Over the next few uncertain years, and longing for the safe and simple clarity of the past, Kay Lynn has no choice but to find her own place and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
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First published August 20, 2024
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About the author
Laila Ibrahim
9 books2,221 followersMy education and experience in multiracial, developmental psychology and attachment theory provide ample fodder for my novels. My passion for early childhood education, child birth and religious education are reflected in my writing.
I was the founder and director of Woolsey Children's School where I had first hand experience loving children that were not my own. There are scenes in Yellow Crocus that were largely influenced interactions I had with children from Woolsey.
As a birth doula I had the privilege of witnessing the intensity and joy of childbirth. You can see that my birth experiences are reflected in my novels.
Spiritual themes that cross over multiple religious traditions come directly from working as the Director of Children and Family Ministries at the First Unitarian Church in Oakland.
I live in a small co-housing community in Berkeley, California, with my wonderful wife, Rinda and our beloved dog, Hazel. Our young adult children are our pride and joy.
I'm very grateful to be a full time writer starting in 2015.
I was surprised when the writing bug bit me. The idea for the story came to me in 1998, I was with a group of people talking about Tiger Woods. Someone mentioned that he identifies as much as an Asian person as an African-American person. I thought to myself, "Of course he does, his mother is Asian. You form your core identity in relationship to your primary caregivers. It's a basic part of the attachment process."
Then the image of Lisbeth, a white baby, breastfeeding in the loving arms of Mattie, an enslaved wetnurse came to me in a flash. I thought about what it would be like for Lisbeth to dearly love Mattie and then be taught by society that she wasn't a full person. I wondered how it would feel for Mattie to be forced to abandon Samuel, her own child, in the slave Quarters. Then I imagined what the experience would be like for Miss Anne, the birth mother, to have her own child twist away from her to get into Mattie's arms. These characters started to haunt me. Various scenes popped into my head. Though I had never written anything, I was being called to tell this story. For my fortieth birthday, I began the personal marathon of writing my first novel. I hope you will come to love these characters as much as I have.
At face value Living Right seems like a big leap from Yellow Crocus, but it deals with the same themes: a caregiver loving across a huge societal barrier.
I LOVED returning to Mattie, Lisbeth and Jordan for Mustard Seed. The story of finding faith in hopeless times really resonates for me. I plan to return to their families' ongoing journey after I finish my current novel-Paper Wife.
Paper Wife focuses on Mei Ling, a young Chinese woman immigrating to San Francisco through Angel Island a in the early 1920's. Reactionary anti-immigration laws in the United States and warfare in China caused people desperate for survival to be misleading about their identities so they could be united with family and have access to work. Mei Ling yearns to have a life of integrity though it was built on a foundation of lies.
Golden Poppies returns to the Freedman and Johnson families. It was fascinating to bring them to California, to look at the suffrage movement, and to see how they could keep their connection strong in spite of the very different social worlds they occupied.
I'm feeling a tug to bring the descendants of these families to the 2000s. Scarlet Carnation gets us to World War 1. I'm just starting the World War 2 era novel.
I was the founder and director of Woolsey Children's School where I had first hand experience loving children that were not my own. There are scenes in Yellow Crocus that were largely influenced interactions I had with children from Woolsey.
As a birth doula I had the privilege of witnessing the intensity and joy of childbirth. You can see that my birth experiences are reflected in my novels.
Spiritual themes that cross over multiple religious traditions come directly from working as the Director of Children and Family Ministries at the First Unitarian Church in Oakland.
I live in a small co-housing community in Berkeley, California, with my wonderful wife, Rinda and our beloved dog, Hazel. Our young adult children are our pride and joy.
I'm very grateful to be a full time writer starting in 2015.
I was surprised when the writing bug bit me. The idea for the story came to me in 1998, I was with a group of people talking about Tiger Woods. Someone mentioned that he identifies as much as an Asian person as an African-American person. I thought to myself, "Of course he does, his mother is Asian. You form your core identity in relationship to your primary caregivers. It's a basic part of the attachment process."
Then the image of Lisbeth, a white baby, breastfeeding in the loving arms of Mattie, an enslaved wetnurse came to me in a flash. I thought about what it would be like for Lisbeth to dearly love Mattie and then be taught by society that she wasn't a full person. I wondered how it would feel for Mattie to be forced to abandon Samuel, her own child, in the slave Quarters. Then I imagined what the experience would be like for Miss Anne, the birth mother, to have her own child twist away from her to get into Mattie's arms. These characters started to haunt me. Various scenes popped into my head. Though I had never written anything, I was being called to tell this story. For my fortieth birthday, I began the personal marathon of writing my first novel. I hope you will come to love these characters as much as I have.
At face value Living Right seems like a big leap from Yellow Crocus, but it deals with the same themes: a caregiver loving across a huge societal barrier.
I LOVED returning to Mattie, Lisbeth and Jordan for Mustard Seed. The story of finding faith in hopeless times really resonates for me. I plan to return to their families' ongoing journey after I finish my current novel-Paper Wife.
Paper Wife focuses on Mei Ling, a young Chinese woman immigrating to San Francisco through Angel Island a in the early 1920's. Reactionary anti-immigration laws in the United States and warfare in China caused people desperate for survival to be misleading about their identities so they could be united with family and have access to work. Mei Ling yearns to have a life of integrity though it was built on a foundation of lies.
Golden Poppies returns to the Freedman and Johnson families. It was fascinating to bring them to California, to look at the suffrage movement, and to see how they could keep their connection strong in spite of the very different social worlds they occupied.
I'm feeling a tug to bring the descendants of these families to the 2000s. Scarlet Carnation gets us to World War 1. I'm just starting the World War 2 era novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 12, 2024
I poured over all the other books written by this author within days, eagerly waited months for this latest book to arrive, but what a disappointment. What I loved about Laila Ibrahim’s past books was how strong the female characters were. Kay Lynn came across as weak and whiny. It was also fascinating to hear the perspectives of at least two characters in her previous books, but for some reason only Kay Lynn was featured in “Falling Wisteria.” What a missed opportunity it was not to hear Kimiko’s point of view in all this was going on in her life. The rest of the characters seemed flat, and the friendship Kay Lynn & Kimiko shared seemed more like a neighborly acquaintance than a dear friend.
August 29, 2024
I loved the 1st 4 books in this series, but Falling Wisteria was disappointing. Did not live up to my expectation. The main character, Kay Lynn, was a sniveling, self centered, self pitying person. None of the characters had any charisma.
July 6, 2024
Note: I was given early access to this novel and am writing this review voluntarily. Thank you netgalley and Lake Union Publishing. Scheduled Publication: August 20, 2024.
FALLING WISTERIA is the fifth book in Laila Ibrahim's Yellow Crocus series. But while this one does pick up with a descendant of the earlier characters, it tells a very different story, though also related to systemic racism.
For those who have read the entire series, the protagonist in this novel is Kay Lynn Brooke, daughter of May Wagner and Jonathon Barrow, granddaughter of Sadie Johnson Wagner, and great granddaughter of Lisbeth Wainwright Johnson. But except for a few occasional graveyard visits and one extended family gathering, there are few references to the characters or stories relayed in the earlier books. And, for me, these insertions felt awkward and contrived.
The fourth book, SCARLET CARNATION, ended with the World War I Armistice (November 11, 1918). FALLING WISTERIA picks up on the eve of World War II.
At the beginning, Kay Lynn is living contentedly with her bookkeeper-husband Mitch and their two young children, Lizzie and Timmy. Next door lives the Fujioka family. Conveniently the two oldest Fujioka children are best friends with Kay Lynn's two kids and their Mom, Kimiko, is Kay Lynn's best friend. The two women are also partners in a side business; they type academic papers for students at the nearby University of California in Berkeley.
This fifth book takes a look at how World War II affected families at home. Rationing limits resources and money is tight. Families are separated and left to worry about absent relatives. Kay Lynn's half sister gets a factory job. Kay Lynn and Mitch worry about when fathers will be drafted and how much danger his assignment will bring. Kay Lynn's half brother winds up fighting in the Pacific. Mr. Fujioka ends up in Europe, while at home, his family is sent to a Japanese Internment Camp, even though both he and Kimiko are American-born citizens.
Author Laila Ibrahim continues Kay Lynn's story beyond the end of the war to how ordinary citizens continued to be influenced by the influx of returning soldiers. Women give up their jobs to make space for veterans. Many soldiers return injured, physically or psychologically or both. There is a serious housing shortage resulting in steeply rising prices for both renters and buyers. And there are new housing restrictions, a way to normalize and continue racial prejudices.
FALLING WISTERIA offers an OK storyline. But it didn't seem to hang together as well as Ibrahim's earlier books in this series. I didn't find myself as involved with the characters or as emotionally touched by their troubles. I kept feeling there were too many additional threads thrown in that didn't directly impact the main story. Like the value of religious belief in war time. Or the growing importance of learning to drive a car. And lots of second guessing of how to write a letter to a friend. So, for me, three stars it is.
FALLING WISTERIA is the fifth book in Laila Ibrahim's Yellow Crocus series. But while this one does pick up with a descendant of the earlier characters, it tells a very different story, though also related to systemic racism.
For those who have read the entire series, the protagonist in this novel is Kay Lynn Brooke, daughter of May Wagner and Jonathon Barrow, granddaughter of Sadie Johnson Wagner, and great granddaughter of Lisbeth Wainwright Johnson. But except for a few occasional graveyard visits and one extended family gathering, there are few references to the characters or stories relayed in the earlier books. And, for me, these insertions felt awkward and contrived.
The fourth book, SCARLET CARNATION, ended with the World War I Armistice (November 11, 1918). FALLING WISTERIA picks up on the eve of World War II.
At the beginning, Kay Lynn is living contentedly with her bookkeeper-husband Mitch and their two young children, Lizzie and Timmy. Next door lives the Fujioka family. Conveniently the two oldest Fujioka children are best friends with Kay Lynn's two kids and their Mom, Kimiko, is Kay Lynn's best friend. The two women are also partners in a side business; they type academic papers for students at the nearby University of California in Berkeley.
This fifth book takes a look at how World War II affected families at home. Rationing limits resources and money is tight. Families are separated and left to worry about absent relatives. Kay Lynn's half sister gets a factory job. Kay Lynn and Mitch worry about when fathers will be drafted and how much danger his assignment will bring. Kay Lynn's half brother winds up fighting in the Pacific. Mr. Fujioka ends up in Europe, while at home, his family is sent to a Japanese Internment Camp, even though both he and Kimiko are American-born citizens.
Author Laila Ibrahim continues Kay Lynn's story beyond the end of the war to how ordinary citizens continued to be influenced by the influx of returning soldiers. Women give up their jobs to make space for veterans. Many soldiers return injured, physically or psychologically or both. There is a serious housing shortage resulting in steeply rising prices for both renters and buyers. And there are new housing restrictions, a way to normalize and continue racial prejudices.
FALLING WISTERIA offers an OK storyline. But it didn't seem to hang together as well as Ibrahim's earlier books in this series. I didn't find myself as involved with the characters or as emotionally touched by their troubles. I kept feeling there were too many additional threads thrown in that didn't directly impact the main story. Like the value of religious belief in war time. Or the growing importance of learning to drive a car. And lots of second guessing of how to write a letter to a friend. So, for me, three stars it is.
December 9, 2024
The first four books in the series are each given two distinct and riveting narrators. Why, oh why, did the author insist on changing the narration style in this fifth and final book? The main character was insufferable and the writing was boring, flat, and extremely disingenuous. There were numerous plot holes and entirely too many characters that fell so flat I both stopped caring and stopped remembering. I finished this book for the sake of completing the series; however, this book is nowhere near the caliber of her others, particularly Yellow Crocus. Save yourself the heartache and pretend Scarlet Carnation contains the true ending to this story.
March 25, 2025
This is the 5th book in the Yellow Crocus series. Although this book had an interesting storyline set during WWII & the Japanese Internment Camps, I felt that the story did not move along as well as the others in the series. There was a lack of story for some of the characters. I would have liked to continue reading more of Mattie's family, but they were barely mentioned. The main character in this book, Kay Lynn was very whiny & self centered through much of the book. I still hope that Ibrahim continues the story of this family, as I'm invested in learning more about the lives of Lisbeth & Mattie's descendants.
July 31, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. This is the fifth book in the Yellow Crocus series. It is focused on the descendants of earlier characters in the series. It was very enjoyable while tackling very complex issues. A well developed family saga.
September 1, 2024
It's super easy to read. Not a lot of meat, not as good as Yellow Crocus.
November 26, 2024
5th book in this series that follows two families through time, although this mainly concentrated on Kay Lynn, descendent on the Wainwright Johnson family side. It was on okay read.
July 3, 2025
The main character was simpering silly little woman which made it difficult to enjoy
July 5, 2024
I just love reading about each generation in the Freedman/Wainwright families and this is another amazingly written story. In Falling Wisteria we follow the life of Kay Lynn and her struggles as WWII breaks out. Her neighbors and close friends are removed from their neighborhood, and her husband knows eventually he will have to sign up or be drafted. Kay Lynn struggles as war impacts everything in the US, and she feels it everyday with trying to hold down a job, while running the household and worrying over her husbands safety. Even though she knows many families are in her same situation, it is hard for her understand that. So when a terrible incident happens at the port, it puts into perspective what she all has, has endured and will continue to fight for as the war seems to have no end in sight and others have lost much more than she has. This novel really touches on so many more subjects and other events that were also happening in the US. I once again learned a few things I did not know about, that happened during WWII on US soil. Loved this one as I have loved all of the others in this series. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
August 19, 2024
Falling Wisteria by Laila Ibrahim is set during World War II Berkeley, California. Two close female friends have kids the same ages and start a document typing business to help their families financially. Though they have much in common, race separates them. After Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941, anti-Japanese sentiment grew, even against innocents.
Kay Lynn's husband enlists in the war and she must take care of their children, finances and running the household. Not only that but the emotional toll of wondering how her husband is crushing. Her closest friend Kimiko's Japanese family is forced into an internment camp, though they were born in America. Propaganda tells a very different story to bleak reality. The story covers the war years and is poignant, gripping and emotive. Seldom do readers experience the Japanese in America perspectives.
I like that the author includes letters back and forth showing various points of view and emotions, a heartbreaking Japanese evacuation notice and list of characters at the back. There are African-American characters, too. My favourite aspect is the lovely female friendship between Kay Lynn and Kimiko.
My sincere thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing novel.
Kay Lynn's husband enlists in the war and she must take care of their children, finances and running the household. Not only that but the emotional toll of wondering how her husband is crushing. Her closest friend Kimiko's Japanese family is forced into an internment camp, though they were born in America. Propaganda tells a very different story to bleak reality. The story covers the war years and is poignant, gripping and emotive. Seldom do readers experience the Japanese in America perspectives.
I like that the author includes letters back and forth showing various points of view and emotions, a heartbreaking Japanese evacuation notice and list of characters at the back. There are African-American characters, too. My favourite aspect is the lovely female friendship between Kay Lynn and Kimiko.
My sincere thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing novel.
July 30, 2024
A well written novel. Was not aware of the interment camps of the Japanese. Racial prejudice is still an ongoing problem in this country. This book was very enlightening. This problem will be ongoing for years and years. Stories like this hopefully will open many eyes. The fictitious part of the book shows how it affects even young children as families try to live a “normal life under this conditions. Laila Abraham’s books are always eye opening.
October 21, 2024
Laila Ibrahim is one of my favorite authors. I love her empathic approach to storytelling. Through the lives of everyday people, she skillfully and beautifully conveys the important historical landmarks of each era. In this book, she represents WWII as it hit Berkeley, CA, specifically concerning the rounding up and internment of Japanese-American citizens who, in the blink of an eye, turned from loyal, law-abiding citizens to feared 'enemy agents' in the public eye. Ibrahim brilliantly depicts the power of fear-mongering and propaganda and war's tragic and pointless devastation.
By following one family through the eras in the 'Yellow Crocus' series, Ibrahim also demonstrates the changes in mannerisms, etiquette, decorum, and politics through the ages. One thing that stays constant for the family is standing up against what they find wrong in their society and admitting when they make a mistake. Another advantage of the historical epic is Ibrahim's attention to detail, showing some threads in the family line become looser and connections drift apart over the years.
In two words: highly recommend.
By following one family through the eras in the 'Yellow Crocus' series, Ibrahim also demonstrates the changes in mannerisms, etiquette, decorum, and politics through the ages. One thing that stays constant for the family is standing up against what they find wrong in their society and admitting when they make a mistake. Another advantage of the historical epic is Ibrahim's attention to detail, showing some threads in the family line become looser and connections drift apart over the years.
In two words: highly recommend.
March 9, 2025
Ooh NO, Naomi Cut Due To D.E.I.
I have to admit I was slightly disappointed when I realized that Mattie's descendants were downsized greatly in this installment. I felt that Naomi's story and that of her family's was left untold. To me it would've been just as easy to have had Naomi continued to deliver babies, even that of Kimiko. There were also Naomi's children, did they go on to having children and if so, how many!?!? Sad that Hazel and Lucie were mentioned more than Naomi and that side of the family. Redlining affected them too. How the family cope after Willie Jr. got killed in the explosion!?!? Was the family ever financially compensated for that accident!?!? Naomi could've even came outta retirement to catch Kistine's baby when the time presented itself. Where did Kimiko and her family move to!?!? After graduation what became of Mitch and Ken, where did they go onto work??!? Lizzy and Donna's friendship, did they go up becoming lovers!?!? What about Timmy, George and Missy!?!? I have more questions than answers. I guess the o'l saying holds true, leave 'em wanting more. Well I want more!!! ☀️🏠📖🤦🏾♀️📚
I have to admit I was slightly disappointed when I realized that Mattie's descendants were downsized greatly in this installment. I felt that Naomi's story and that of her family's was left untold. To me it would've been just as easy to have had Naomi continued to deliver babies, even that of Kimiko. There were also Naomi's children, did they go on to having children and if so, how many!?!? Sad that Hazel and Lucie were mentioned more than Naomi and that side of the family. Redlining affected them too. How the family cope after Willie Jr. got killed in the explosion!?!? Was the family ever financially compensated for that accident!?!? Naomi could've even came outta retirement to catch Kistine's baby when the time presented itself. Where did Kimiko and her family move to!?!? After graduation what became of Mitch and Ken, where did they go onto work??!? Lizzy and Donna's friendship, did they go up becoming lovers!?!? What about Timmy, George and Missy!?!? I have more questions than answers. I guess the o'l saying holds true, leave 'em wanting more. Well I want more!!! ☀️🏠📖🤦🏾♀️📚
April 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Falling Wisteria was such a beautiful and powerful read. 🌸✨ This was my first book by Laila Ibrahim — and also my first time reading Historical Fiction — and I’m so glad I picked it up! 📖❤️ Thank you to Goodreads and Amazon Publishing for the giveaway! 🎁
I loved the way Laila wrote the characters, especially Kay Lynn. Her emotions felt so real and raw — there were moments when I could feel exactly what she was feeling. 💔💬 Her friendship with Kimiko was one of my favorite parts of the story. Even though life and time separated them, their bond remained so strong. 🌸👭
This book opened my eyes to a part of history I didn’t know much about — the impact of WWII and the Japanese Internment Camps on families.💔 I really appreciated the way it was written with heart and care, and it’s made me want to learn even more about that time in history.
I haven’t had the chance to read the earlier books in the series yet, but I’ll definitely be checking them out soon to get a deeper understanding of the characters and their journeys. 📚🌟
Highly recommend if you love emotional, character-driven stories that stay with you long after you turn the last page. 💖
Falling Wisteria was such a beautiful and powerful read. 🌸✨ This was my first book by Laila Ibrahim — and also my first time reading Historical Fiction — and I’m so glad I picked it up! 📖❤️ Thank you to Goodreads and Amazon Publishing for the giveaway! 🎁
I loved the way Laila wrote the characters, especially Kay Lynn. Her emotions felt so real and raw — there were moments when I could feel exactly what she was feeling. 💔💬 Her friendship with Kimiko was one of my favorite parts of the story. Even though life and time separated them, their bond remained so strong. 🌸👭
This book opened my eyes to a part of history I didn’t know much about — the impact of WWII and the Japanese Internment Camps on families.💔 I really appreciated the way it was written with heart and care, and it’s made me want to learn even more about that time in history.
I haven’t had the chance to read the earlier books in the series yet, but I’ll definitely be checking them out soon to get a deeper understanding of the characters and their journeys. 📚🌟
Highly recommend if you love emotional, character-driven stories that stay with you long after you turn the last page. 💖
August 30, 2025
Set during WWII, this book shows the affects of the war on three families: the Stevens family, whose son Lenny is drafted, the Brooke family, whose head of household Mitch enlists after exemptions for fathers is lifted, but is assigned to stateside duty, and the Fujiokas, an American family of Japanese descent, who are ultimately interned in Utah, despite their head of household joining the Army. Set in and around Berkley, it was interesting to read about the development of that region. I also liked how Ibrahim showed the racial divides that plagued, and continue to plague, America and how these families, so linked, attempted to deal with them. This book is soft and sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Since it is notated as Yellow Crocus #5, I think I have to go back and read through this series. I recommend.
December 2, 2024
World War 2, in Oakland. What happens to people going off to war? What happens to families left behind? Will it wreck the unity between our two families? Among friends, the best of friends? What happens to people going off to war? What happens to families left behind? The children? Does the war change everything irredeemably?
It is remarkable how Laila Ibrahim weaves so many true historical events into the fabric of the newest generation of our two families. Will our author write of more generations?
It is remarkable how Laila Ibrahim weaves so many true historical events into the fabric of the newest generation of our two families. Will our author write of more generations?
October 9, 2024
A heart warming book about the importance of family and friendship
In all her books Laila is not afraid to tackle difficult or taboo subjects, that absolutely occur in everyday life.
I have enjoyed moving through the lives of generations of women who have been strong and lead the way despite was is against them
The importance of tradition and links back to Matty I really enjoy, and I eagerly await the first crocus in every book
In all her books Laila is not afraid to tackle difficult or taboo subjects, that absolutely occur in everyday life.
I have enjoyed moving through the lives of generations of women who have been strong and lead the way despite was is against them
The importance of tradition and links back to Matty I really enjoy, and I eagerly await the first crocus in every book
August 1, 2025
Večni cvet je nežna, a snažna priča o borbi tišine, o ženi koja nosi teret svakodnevice dok svet oko nje gubi tlo pod nogama. Smešten u vreme kada se svet raspada pod težinom rata, roman ne govori samo o boji uniforme ili frontovima, već o onome što ostaje kod kuće - strahu, neizvesnosti, snazi da se održi ono što je vredno. Kroz lik Kej Lin otvaraju se pitanja lojalnosti, prijateljstva i nevidljivih žrtava koje padaju daleko od bojišta.
Ovo nije priča puna velikih preokreta - već tiha, postojana rečenica koja ostaje dugo nakon poslednje strane. Roman nas podseća da je otpor ponekad u tome da ne odustaneš od svakog običnog dana.Ova knjiga inspiriše na tiho herojstvo - na snagu koju pronalazimo u sebi kada nemamo izbora, osim da izdržimo. Podseća da i u vremenima gubitka i nepravde, dobrotu i dostojanstvo možemo sačuvati kroz male, ali hrabre odluke.
Večni cvet je roman koji nežno, ali odlučno otvara vrata jednog perioda istorije koji je često potiskivan - ne zato što nije važan, već zato što boli.
Kroz priču o Kej Lin i njenoj prijateljici Kimiko, čitalac ne samo da ulazi u atmosferu američkog doma u vreme Drugog svetskog rata, već oseća napukline društva koje se raslojava pod teretom propagande, straha i nepravde. To nije priča o frontu, već o borbi iznutra: žene koje uči da živi dok sve oko nje biva izbrisano ili ugroženo.
Ono što ovu knjigu čini predivnom jeste njena sposobnost da tišinu uzdrma. Nema velikih scena koje su upečatljive- ima malih trenutaka koji paraju dušu. Prijateljstvo koje opstaje i kada su svi mostovi porušeni. Ljubav koja se ne uzdiže patetikom, već svakodnevnim gestovima. Empatija koja nije ukras, već alat za preživljavanje. Roman pokazuje koliko je teško, ali i koliko je vredno, biti čovek kada je najlakše biti nem.
Lejla Ibrahim gradi svoje likove pažljivo, s poštovanjem i istinom. Kej Lin ne postaje junakinja zato što je hrabra, već zato što ne prestaje da oseća.
Kroz njene oči vidimo kako društvene promene i sistemski rasizam ulaze u domove i razaraju sigurnost. Ali isto tako vidimo da postoje i oni trenuci kada jedna reč, jedna odluka, menjaju tokove - ne istorije, možda, ali svakako sudbina.
U krajnjoj liniji, Večni cvet nas podseća da se heroji ne rađaju na bojištu, već među običnim ljudima koji u tišini čine ono što je ispravno.
To je knjiga koja ostaje sa vama - ne zato što je uzbudljiva, već zato što je iskrena. Ona ne ulepšava stvarnost, ali joj daje nadu. A to je možda i najveća umetnost pisanja.
Ovo nije priča puna velikih preokreta - već tiha, postojana rečenica koja ostaje dugo nakon poslednje strane. Roman nas podseća da je otpor ponekad u tome da ne odustaneš od svakog običnog dana.Ova knjiga inspiriše na tiho herojstvo - na snagu koju pronalazimo u sebi kada nemamo izbora, osim da izdržimo. Podseća da i u vremenima gubitka i nepravde, dobrotu i dostojanstvo možemo sačuvati kroz male, ali hrabre odluke.
Večni cvet je roman koji nežno, ali odlučno otvara vrata jednog perioda istorije koji je često potiskivan - ne zato što nije važan, već zato što boli.
Kroz priču o Kej Lin i njenoj prijateljici Kimiko, čitalac ne samo da ulazi u atmosferu američkog doma u vreme Drugog svetskog rata, već oseća napukline društva koje se raslojava pod teretom propagande, straha i nepravde. To nije priča o frontu, već o borbi iznutra: žene koje uči da živi dok sve oko nje biva izbrisano ili ugroženo.
Ono što ovu knjigu čini predivnom jeste njena sposobnost da tišinu uzdrma. Nema velikih scena koje su upečatljive- ima malih trenutaka koji paraju dušu. Prijateljstvo koje opstaje i kada su svi mostovi porušeni. Ljubav koja se ne uzdiže patetikom, već svakodnevnim gestovima. Empatija koja nije ukras, već alat za preživljavanje. Roman pokazuje koliko je teško, ali i koliko je vredno, biti čovek kada je najlakše biti nem.
Lejla Ibrahim gradi svoje likove pažljivo, s poštovanjem i istinom. Kej Lin ne postaje junakinja zato što je hrabra, već zato što ne prestaje da oseća.
Kroz njene oči vidimo kako društvene promene i sistemski rasizam ulaze u domove i razaraju sigurnost. Ali isto tako vidimo da postoje i oni trenuci kada jedna reč, jedna odluka, menjaju tokove - ne istorije, možda, ali svakako sudbina.
U krajnjoj liniji, Večni cvet nas podseća da se heroji ne rađaju na bojištu, već među običnim ljudima koji u tišini čine ono što je ispravno.
To je knjiga koja ostaje sa vama - ne zato što je uzbudljiva, već zato što je iskrena. Ona ne ulepšava stvarnost, ali joj daje nadu. A to je možda i najveća umetnost pisanja.
January 31, 2025
I never had any information while in school about the relocation of Japanese people. It was left out of our history books and certainly was discussed in any classes. I was born in 1945 and we lived in a different world with little media and little transparency of the government injustice. I remember when I went back to college one of my new friends was a Japanese woman and she told me about the relocation and the injustices they endured and humiliation of being considered not loyal United State citizens. What a terrible thing to be said about them and to act on this idea. I think these series are very important for people to read and realize how things were during and after the war . We can't forget or else it could happen again.
Then during the Granada incident her son was killed during the conflict and getting American students from a medical school out of Granada. I was so sorry one more horrible thing to for her to endure in her lifetime .
I joined a discussion group that read books like "Waking Up White" written by Derry Irving. We also listened to videos about other things that were done to the black society but also to other races like taking children from their indiginous parents and sending them to Christian white mens schools and not allowing them to used their language but had to be taught English instead of their native tongues. Children as young as 4 or 5! Can you imagine the fear and panic that these children felt? They were stripped of their languages ,customs and beliefs.
.. We read White Fragility -Why It Is So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo. It was such an eye opening 12 week series put on by our church in a wonderful series called "Sacred Ground" . I encourage you to look into finding this program at the churches. I didn't know that Black GI's were considered qualified to get loan for houses, or GI Loans for going to college, But were limited by "quota numbers" made them difficult if not impossible to access them. They fought for our freedom and yet were not given the same advantages of other GI's after the war. I didn't know that! I was so enraged I could hardly contain my anger and embarrassment of people letting our government do these unfair things to US citizens .
Then during the Granada incident her son was killed during the conflict and getting American students from a medical school out of Granada. I was so sorry one more horrible thing to for her to endure in her lifetime .
I joined a discussion group that read books like "Waking Up White" written by Derry Irving. We also listened to videos about other things that were done to the black society but also to other races like taking children from their indiginous parents and sending them to Christian white mens schools and not allowing them to used their language but had to be taught English instead of their native tongues. Children as young as 4 or 5! Can you imagine the fear and panic that these children felt? They were stripped of their languages ,customs and beliefs.
.. We read White Fragility -Why It Is So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo. It was such an eye opening 12 week series put on by our church in a wonderful series called "Sacred Ground" . I encourage you to look into finding this program at the churches. I didn't know that Black GI's were considered qualified to get loan for houses, or GI Loans for going to college, But were limited by "quota numbers" made them difficult if not impossible to access them. They fought for our freedom and yet were not given the same advantages of other GI's after the war. I didn't know that! I was so enraged I could hardly contain my anger and embarrassment of people letting our government do these unfair things to US citizens .
August 20, 2024
My review of
Falling Wisteria
by Laila Ibrahim
Last updated on Aug 20 2024
Next door neighbors, the Brooke family and the Fujiokas are living in Berkeley California at the dawn of WWII. The wives, Kay Lynn and Kimiko, are best friends who are in business together typing reports and papers for university students. A little too coincidentally, the young daughter and son of each family are also best friends. Then Pearl Harbor is bombed by the Japanese and everything changes.
Laila Ibrahim had written a book which gives insight into how war affects ordinary people and how systemic racism and prejudice takes its toll on Americans of minority origins. Kay Lynn and Mitch Brooke must make do with rations while they worry that sometime soon, fathers will be drafted. The Fujiokas, American citizens of Japanese descent, are sent off to an Internment Camp far from home , guilty of nothing but their ancestry. Eventually Mr Fujioka is allowed to fight for the USA on the European front while his family remains captive.
When the war ends and the families reunite forces beyond their control keep the friends apart. Restrictions of minorities remain alive in the post war USA. A lot to think about here.
Although this book is part of a series, it is a stand alone story that will hang together for new readers. Laila Ibrahim does a good job of crafting a plot that not only explores past American history, but leaves cause to think about current race relations. Some parts moved faster than others yet all in all it was a good read with food for thought. Four stars for this one. Many thanks to netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It is being released today, August 20,2024. Look for it.
Falling Wisteria
by Laila Ibrahim
Last updated on Aug 20 2024
Next door neighbors, the Brooke family and the Fujiokas are living in Berkeley California at the dawn of WWII. The wives, Kay Lynn and Kimiko, are best friends who are in business together typing reports and papers for university students. A little too coincidentally, the young daughter and son of each family are also best friends. Then Pearl Harbor is bombed by the Japanese and everything changes.
Laila Ibrahim had written a book which gives insight into how war affects ordinary people and how systemic racism and prejudice takes its toll on Americans of minority origins. Kay Lynn and Mitch Brooke must make do with rations while they worry that sometime soon, fathers will be drafted. The Fujiokas, American citizens of Japanese descent, are sent off to an Internment Camp far from home , guilty of nothing but their ancestry. Eventually Mr Fujioka is allowed to fight for the USA on the European front while his family remains captive.
When the war ends and the families reunite forces beyond their control keep the friends apart. Restrictions of minorities remain alive in the post war USA. A lot to think about here.
Although this book is part of a series, it is a stand alone story that will hang together for new readers. Laila Ibrahim does a good job of crafting a plot that not only explores past American history, but leaves cause to think about current race relations. Some parts moved faster than others yet all in all it was a good read with food for thought. Four stars for this one. Many thanks to netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It is being released today, August 20,2024. Look for it.
August 25, 2024
This is a story about a young woman called Kay-Lynn and is set in Berkeley during the 1940s. Falling pregnant at the end of high school, her boyfriend does the honourable thing and marries her. When we meet them, they’re still happy married and have 2 children. Over the following years, there are the following major plot lines:
- Kay-Lynn’s best friend is a fellow mum called Kimiko. As her name indicates, she’s of Japanese ancestry but was born in the US. Despite her US birth certificate, she’s treated as a potential traitor by the US government and carted off to a concentration camp in Utah along with her whole family. After the war, Japanese Americans are still treated as second-class citizens when it comes to housing etc. An utterly shameful episode in the “land of the free”.
- Kay-Lynn’s husband is initially exempted from the war draft as he’s a father but is eventually conscripted and sent to work at a missile loading site with minimal health & safety. You know what’s going to happen next….
- Kay-Lynn’s brother volunteers but is soon captured and a Japanese POW. Will he survive? Will he make it back?
- Post war, everyone’s trying to pick up the pieces and process their trauma. Will Kay-Lynn’s Unitarian faith be able to help here?
This is war seen through the eyes of an ordinary woman as she sees overseas conflict but also battles against the prejudices/racism at home. The scars war leaves are shown with the unspoken question of “when is war ever worth this cost?” running through it all.
I received an advance review copy of the audiobook for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
- Kay-Lynn’s best friend is a fellow mum called Kimiko. As her name indicates, she’s of Japanese ancestry but was born in the US. Despite her US birth certificate, she’s treated as a potential traitor by the US government and carted off to a concentration camp in Utah along with her whole family. After the war, Japanese Americans are still treated as second-class citizens when it comes to housing etc. An utterly shameful episode in the “land of the free”.
- Kay-Lynn’s husband is initially exempted from the war draft as he’s a father but is eventually conscripted and sent to work at a missile loading site with minimal health & safety. You know what’s going to happen next….
- Kay-Lynn’s brother volunteers but is soon captured and a Japanese POW. Will he survive? Will he make it back?
- Post war, everyone’s trying to pick up the pieces and process their trauma. Will Kay-Lynn’s Unitarian faith be able to help here?
This is war seen through the eyes of an ordinary woman as she sees overseas conflict but also battles against the prejudices/racism at home. The scars war leaves are shown with the unspoken question of “when is war ever worth this cost?” running through it all.
I received an advance review copy of the audiobook for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2024
This is my 1st book by this author and I found the subject matter fascinating, the effects of WW II, including the internment of the Japanese Americans, told through the eyes of pair of friends in Berkeley, CA. This is the last book in a series, and except for some references to earlier family, can be read as a stand alone.
Kay and Kimiko, best friends, next door neighbors, sharing a business and raising their children together are deeply impacted by internment, rations, racism, job changes as the men go to war. It was a clean book, with no crude language, sex scenes or graphic war scenes, although there are some war scene illusions from some of the characters, it was appropriate for the book.
It is clearly a well researched book, with well known facts and other surprising information that was new to me. There are several themes, family conflict, PTSD, Unitarian beliefs, friendships among the various characters. There was some uneven writing intermittently with some plots not fleshed out and a bit of jumpiness between the characters, making it a 3.8 vs a 4 for me. Overall, a good book to read with a very interesting view ofWW II in the US.
A big note of gratitude to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a pleasure to be part of this. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Kay and Kimiko, best friends, next door neighbors, sharing a business and raising their children together are deeply impacted by internment, rations, racism, job changes as the men go to war. It was a clean book, with no crude language, sex scenes or graphic war scenes, although there are some war scene illusions from some of the characters, it was appropriate for the book.
It is clearly a well researched book, with well known facts and other surprising information that was new to me. There are several themes, family conflict, PTSD, Unitarian beliefs, friendships among the various characters. There was some uneven writing intermittently with some plots not fleshed out and a bit of jumpiness between the characters, making it a 3.8 vs a 4 for me. Overall, a good book to read with a very interesting view ofWW II in the US.
A big note of gratitude to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a pleasure to be part of this. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 17, 2025
Falling Wisteria is a moving look at how war reshapes ordinary lives, especially for women left to hold everything together. Laila Ibrahim captures the emotional weight of the WWII home front with sensitivity and care, focusing not on battles overseas, but on the quiet strength required to survive the uncertainty at home.
Kay Lynn is an easy character to connect with, she’s a mother, a wife, and a friend trying to stay grounded as everything familiar begins to fall apart. The friendship between Kay Lynn and Kimiko is the heart of the story, and the letters they exchange are especially touching, filled with longing, fear, and resilience. Kimiko’s forced relocation is handled with grace and honesty, never overstated, yet deeply affecting.
What stood out most was how the novel shows courage in small, everyday choices, raising children alone, questioning social norms, protecting loved ones, and finding purpose when the future feels unclear. The writing is gentle but impactful, allowing the emotions to unfold naturally.
If you enjoy historical fiction that centers on relationships, moral courage, and the often-overlooked experiences of women during wartime, Falling Wisteria is a beautifully rewarding read.
Kay Lynn is an easy character to connect with, she’s a mother, a wife, and a friend trying to stay grounded as everything familiar begins to fall apart. The friendship between Kay Lynn and Kimiko is the heart of the story, and the letters they exchange are especially touching, filled with longing, fear, and resilience. Kimiko’s forced relocation is handled with grace and honesty, never overstated, yet deeply affecting.
What stood out most was how the novel shows courage in small, everyday choices, raising children alone, questioning social norms, protecting loved ones, and finding purpose when the future feels unclear. The writing is gentle but impactful, allowing the emotions to unfold naturally.
If you enjoy historical fiction that centers on relationships, moral courage, and the often-overlooked experiences of women during wartime, Falling Wisteria is a beautifully rewarding read.
November 29, 2024
I absolutely loved the first three books in the series. But, the last two were just ok for me. Honestly, if this one was a standalone, I wouldn’t have liked it much at all. The main character was just ok, and was constantly wavering between “woe is me” and “just buck up and deal with things” without any real interim.
The rest of the main characters felt very one-dimensional, and this felt like a Johnson-Freeman story in name only. Yes, some of our old favorites were in the book, but the families that intertwined for generations barely intertwined anymore. I think the Freeman branch got maybe 5 lines total, and they didn’t contribute to the story much.
I also felt like each chapter ended mid thought without a transition to the one after. The story didn’t flow very well.
I did like how the flowers from each of the previous books played a small part in this story. And, it did have an epilogue, which we know I love.
All in all, it was just ok for me. The author, in her author’s note, did say she plans to take this family into the 2000s, and I’m sure I’ll read whatever is next because I’ve already invested so much time into this series.
The rest of the main characters felt very one-dimensional, and this felt like a Johnson-Freeman story in name only. Yes, some of our old favorites were in the book, but the families that intertwined for generations barely intertwined anymore. I think the Freeman branch got maybe 5 lines total, and they didn’t contribute to the story much.
I also felt like each chapter ended mid thought without a transition to the one after. The story didn’t flow very well.
I did like how the flowers from each of the previous books played a small part in this story. And, it did have an epilogue, which we know I love.
All in all, it was just ok for me. The author, in her author’s note, did say she plans to take this family into the 2000s, and I’m sure I’ll read whatever is next because I’ve already invested so much time into this series.
August 17, 2025
I really love that the crocuses have made it this far into the series (as well as the poppies and carnations), and now having the wisteria being introduced and brought with. Whenever I visited my grandfather, he always dug up plants (or cut some) for me to bring home, and these plants (the few that made it), I hold dear to my heart, because these are my main memories of him, his yard. I need to get away from reading reviews before I read a book because sometimes that sticks with me as I read it. I did not like Kay Lynn's character, though the thoughts she had throughout the book, are the thoughts, so many women would probably be thinking about events in this time, as they unfolded. To hear them aloud was sort of a reminder about how to look at things from everyone's perspective. I liked how the book again touched on an event I haven't heard of before, the explosion mentioned, and another about housing restrictions. These sorts of things intrigued me, and I wish they went into more detail. Overall, I am happy with the book, I just didn't 'care' about the characters like I did in the previous 4 novels.
September 18, 2024
This moving story of families, friends, and neighbors who are ripped apart and brought together in the wake of World War II in the San Francisco Bay area highlights the discrimination and fear that ran rampant in our nation during that time.
This book is tied to previous novels by Ibrahim that started with Yellow Crocus. Main character Kay Lynn is a descendant of characters in those earlier books. I think I would have benefitted from reading them first in order to get a better understanding of her background. I felt a kinship to her as she struggles through a crisis of faith that feels a lot like my own. I mourned with her as her Japanese American neighbors were sent to an internment camp following the Pearl Harbor attack, as friends and family members go missing or are hurt or killed as a result of the war.
The story felt somewhat disjointed at times and I had a hard time keeping track of the many characters. All in all though, a decent read/listen. Great audio narration.
3.5 stars.
I received an audio ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is tied to previous novels by Ibrahim that started with Yellow Crocus. Main character Kay Lynn is a descendant of characters in those earlier books. I think I would have benefitted from reading them first in order to get a better understanding of her background. I felt a kinship to her as she struggles through a crisis of faith that feels a lot like my own. I mourned with her as her Japanese American neighbors were sent to an internment camp following the Pearl Harbor attack, as friends and family members go missing or are hurt or killed as a result of the war.
The story felt somewhat disjointed at times and I had a hard time keeping track of the many characters. All in all though, a decent read/listen. Great audio narration.
3.5 stars.
I received an audio ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2026
Five books in a series by Laila Ibrahim.
I won’t give a review of each one but will say that these books span the time from 1850’s to 1940’s.
If you want to read any of these, read the first book. The rest were just MEH and I felt like she got sloppy with her research.
EX: ‘Scarlet Carnation’ ‘Willie bought the tickets at the kiosk. (P 165). This was 1917 and kiosks weren’t invented.
EX: ‘Falling Wisteria’ Kay Lynn compared the Japanese internment camps to the Nazi concentration camps. This was 1942 and the USA did not even know about the Nazi concentration camps until 1944.
Pros: follows several generations of this family, gives genealogical family tree at the beginning of the book, ties major historical events to characters lives, titles are plants that fit into their lives from each generation.
Cons: little character development so all characters run together, mature talking and thinking by very small children so it’s very unrealistic, blah storylines, inaccurate history.
Yellow crocus: five stars
The other four books: 3 stars
I won’t give a review of each one but will say that these books span the time from 1850’s to 1940’s.
If you want to read any of these, read the first book. The rest were just MEH and I felt like she got sloppy with her research.
EX: ‘Scarlet Carnation’ ‘Willie bought the tickets at the kiosk. (P 165). This was 1917 and kiosks weren’t invented.
EX: ‘Falling Wisteria’ Kay Lynn compared the Japanese internment camps to the Nazi concentration camps. This was 1942 and the USA did not even know about the Nazi concentration camps until 1944.
Pros: follows several generations of this family, gives genealogical family tree at the beginning of the book, ties major historical events to characters lives, titles are plants that fit into their lives from each generation.
Cons: little character development so all characters run together, mature talking and thinking by very small children so it’s very unrealistic, blah storylines, inaccurate history.
Yellow crocus: five stars
The other four books: 3 stars
August 16, 2024
This is a heartbreaking visit back to California in the days leading up to and the first few years following WWII. Two women, best friends, business partners, and the mothers of two young best friends, enjoy their lives and their relationships. One is white and one is of Japanese descent. their world is shaken tremendously by the world. The woman of Japanese descent, although she, her husband, and their children are all citizens, are moved to internment camps. Both husbands are called to duty to support the war. But other examples of racism and systemic discrimination come to light the lead character becomes more aware of the challenges that others face every day.
I loved the story and the storytelling. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful.
For readers who would like to read another great book on the Japanese internment, i recommend "On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet," which was a community read list few years ago.
I loved the story and the storytelling. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful.
For readers who would like to read another great book on the Japanese internment, i recommend "On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet," which was a community read list few years ago.
August 20, 2024
How I wish I could have read this book years ago! It has left me with so many questions I would like to be able to ask my own parents about their experiences living during World War II. Historical fiction puts such a personal spin on events that we only touched briefly on during history class. I do not recall learning about Japanese internment camps until reading various novels as an adult long after high school. The impact of war on family life has always been of interest to me. It was even a theme I chose for one of my college writing assignments. Falling Wisteria truly showed many ways that war impacted family life. It touched on so many issues, several of which people did not openly discuss at that time. I didn't realize that this was part of a family saga series, but it reads fine as a stand-alone novel. No doubt I will eventually read the rest of the series. Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for an advance copy to read and review.
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