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Until the Red Leaves Fall
Author of the bestselling and much-loved At the Foot of the Cherry Tree, Alli Parker, returns with another engrossing and moving novel of courage and conviction, Until the Red Leaves Fall.
Emmy Darling has a secret. She has a few. Her lemon meringue pie is a recipe from a women's magazine, she's always wanted to be a playwright, and the best parts of her husband Sebastian's plays are the scenes she's written during edits. But when charismatic theatre impresario and leading lady, Virginia van Belle, insists Emmy write about her wartime experiences as the lead play in her 1957 season, Emmy is faced with every writer's dilemma.
Because Emmy's biggest secret is that her name is actually Emiko Tanaka. She and her Japanese-Australian family were arrested, brutally split up and held in internment camps by the Australian government after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. And it's this secret that Virginia wants to bring to the masses.
As Emmy struggles to determine where the edges of truth and fiction blur, Virginia's vision of the story morphs into something more sensationalised. Emmy can't ask for Sebastian's help - he has his own history with Virginia - but she confides in Isadora Westlake, a dancer at a nearby coffee lounge, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets.
As opening night looms and rewrites threaten to transform Emmy's personal history into something unrecognisable, wounds of the past are torn open, jeopardising everything Emmy holds dear. As the cast take their places and the curtain goes up, Emmy must decide which is tell the story or tell the truth.
From barbed-wire fences to the lush velvet seats of the Belleview Theatre, Until the Red Leaves Fall is a stunning tale of secrets and betrayal in the aftermath of war that what happens when you let the truth get in the way of a good story?
Emmy Darling has a secret. She has a few. Her lemon meringue pie is a recipe from a women's magazine, she's always wanted to be a playwright, and the best parts of her husband Sebastian's plays are the scenes she's written during edits. But when charismatic theatre impresario and leading lady, Virginia van Belle, insists Emmy write about her wartime experiences as the lead play in her 1957 season, Emmy is faced with every writer's dilemma.
Because Emmy's biggest secret is that her name is actually Emiko Tanaka. She and her Japanese-Australian family were arrested, brutally split up and held in internment camps by the Australian government after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. And it's this secret that Virginia wants to bring to the masses.
As Emmy struggles to determine where the edges of truth and fiction blur, Virginia's vision of the story morphs into something more sensationalised. Emmy can't ask for Sebastian's help - he has his own history with Virginia - but she confides in Isadora Westlake, a dancer at a nearby coffee lounge, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets.
As opening night looms and rewrites threaten to transform Emmy's personal history into something unrecognisable, wounds of the past are torn open, jeopardising everything Emmy holds dear. As the cast take their places and the curtain goes up, Emmy must decide which is tell the story or tell the truth.
From barbed-wire fences to the lush velvet seats of the Belleview Theatre, Until the Red Leaves Fall is a stunning tale of secrets and betrayal in the aftermath of war that what happens when you let the truth get in the way of a good story?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 1, 2025
Melbourne, Australia, 1957. Emmy Darling is married to Sebastian a playwright, and she edits his scenes. Virginia van Belle is an actress and owner Belleview Theatre and she wants Emmy to write about her wartime experiences and open this year’s season.
Emmy has secrets, the biggest one being her real name is Emiko Tanaka, she and her Japanese-Australian family were arrested, split up and held in internment camps by the government after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Another is she’s working for Virginia, Sebastian would be furious about what she’s doing and so is she when Emmy discovers Virginia is changing her story and not sticking to the original dialog. The war might be over but it hasn’t stopped and the Australian public still feeling hostile towards the Japanese and is it wise to write a play about the Tanaka family’s involvement and stir up trouble?
Isadora Westlake is dancer at a nearby coffee lounge called The Lough, every morning Emmy calls in before starting work and talks to her and unburdens her woes.
I received a copy of Until the Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker from HarperCollins Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did know Japanese Australian born men were locked up in camps during the Second World War, but I had no idea women and children were as well.
As Emmy pointed out how could a fourteen year old girl be a threat to national security, she might have been of Japanese heritage, but she didn’t speak the language and it's ludicrous.
A historical tale about secrets, injustice, trauma, hidden feelings, resentment, betrayal, lies and societies exceptions and opinions on topics such as infidelity, divorce, having children, and same gender romantic relationships. Ms Parker returns with another intense and though provoking novel, however I didn't get as emotionally involved and invested as I did with the characters from At the Foot of the Cherry Tree and four and a half stars from me.
Emmy has secrets, the biggest one being her real name is Emiko Tanaka, she and her Japanese-Australian family were arrested, split up and held in internment camps by the government after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Another is she’s working for Virginia, Sebastian would be furious about what she’s doing and so is she when Emmy discovers Virginia is changing her story and not sticking to the original dialog. The war might be over but it hasn’t stopped and the Australian public still feeling hostile towards the Japanese and is it wise to write a play about the Tanaka family’s involvement and stir up trouble?
Isadora Westlake is dancer at a nearby coffee lounge called The Lough, every morning Emmy calls in before starting work and talks to her and unburdens her woes.
I received a copy of Until the Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker from HarperCollins Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did know Japanese Australian born men were locked up in camps during the Second World War, but I had no idea women and children were as well.
As Emmy pointed out how could a fourteen year old girl be a threat to national security, she might have been of Japanese heritage, but she didn’t speak the language and it's ludicrous.
A historical tale about secrets, injustice, trauma, hidden feelings, resentment, betrayal, lies and societies exceptions and opinions on topics such as infidelity, divorce, having children, and same gender romantic relationships. Ms Parker returns with another intense and though provoking novel, however I didn't get as emotionally involved and invested as I did with the characters from At the Foot of the Cherry Tree and four and a half stars from me.
October 1, 2025
A really nice deviation from my usual genres, which turned out to be an easy audio read. I haven't read this author before now and have heard wonderful things about At the Foot of the Cherry Tree, so I will make sure I read this one also.
Covering the Australian internment camps after Pearl Harbour and the racial issues of the time, the strong willed character of young Emmy Darling weaves the staunch ideals of the time where unemotional and unappreciative men rock up at the end of their work day to be well fed and well kept by their well behaved wives. This time in history was portrayed with nuanced characters and a straight forward honesty.
Emmy slowly defies this narrative while attempting to tell her family's secret history, as the tension builds we see her flourish in her talents outside of the home, while her husband callously pays her no regard.
I enjoyed the unexpected themes and slow building feel to this historical novel, and despised certain characters as their true nature came to light. A well written and absorbing story with notes of true to life themes. I must say it's the most fitting and beautiful title I've seen for a long time, and the cover equally so!
I listened to this on the BorrowBox app via my public library.
Covering the Australian internment camps after Pearl Harbour and the racial issues of the time, the strong willed character of young Emmy Darling weaves the staunch ideals of the time where unemotional and unappreciative men rock up at the end of their work day to be well fed and well kept by their well behaved wives. This time in history was portrayed with nuanced characters and a straight forward honesty.
Emmy slowly defies this narrative while attempting to tell her family's secret history, as the tension builds we see her flourish in her talents outside of the home, while her husband callously pays her no regard.
I enjoyed the unexpected themes and slow building feel to this historical novel, and despised certain characters as their true nature came to light. A well written and absorbing story with notes of true to life themes. I must say it's the most fitting and beautiful title I've seen for a long time, and the cover equally so!
I listened to this on the BorrowBox app via my public library.
August 13, 2025
Big thanks to Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
Alli Parker’s debut wowed audiences and now back with her second release Until The Red Leaves Fall, a beautifully crafted and lyrically supreme historical fiction treasure.
Alli takes the reader on a dazzling journey and behind the scenes look in theatre and introduces to the world her divine lead character Emmy Darling.
It’s 1957 and the theatre world in Melbourne is thriving.
Work on a new play has begun with theatre extraordinaire Virginia Van Belle at the helm.
While Emmy Darling usually works on Sebastian, her husband’s plays, Virginia secretly hires her to write a play about her past.
But Emmy has her doubts as her family want her Japanese history to remain quiet.
But the more Virginia pushes the more it looks like it’s being sensationalised.
When opening night arrives, Emmy must decide to let it go or tell the truth.
A unique and well blended story about courage, survival, identity, loyalty, family and truth.
Alli successfully manages to give the reader a glowing, engaging and inspiring narrative and her words and storytelling shine bright from the pages.
A page turning, evocative tale.
Alli Parker’s debut wowed audiences and now back with her second release Until The Red Leaves Fall, a beautifully crafted and lyrically supreme historical fiction treasure.
Alli takes the reader on a dazzling journey and behind the scenes look in theatre and introduces to the world her divine lead character Emmy Darling.
It’s 1957 and the theatre world in Melbourne is thriving.
Work on a new play has begun with theatre extraordinaire Virginia Van Belle at the helm.
While Emmy Darling usually works on Sebastian, her husband’s plays, Virginia secretly hires her to write a play about her past.
But Emmy has her doubts as her family want her Japanese history to remain quiet.
But the more Virginia pushes the more it looks like it’s being sensationalised.
When opening night arrives, Emmy must decide to let it go or tell the truth.
A unique and well blended story about courage, survival, identity, loyalty, family and truth.
Alli successfully manages to give the reader a glowing, engaging and inspiring narrative and her words and storytelling shine bright from the pages.
A page turning, evocative tale.
September 7, 2025
The new Yellowface…but dare I say better.
Until the Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker is everything I want in a historical fiction - lush prose, a compelling main character, sharp commentary and a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
Set in the 1950s Australian theatre scene, the book follows Emmy Darling, a white-passing Japanese-Australian woman whose creative talent hides behind her husband’s name. When theatre impresario Virginia van Belle offers her the chance to bring her family history and experience in Japanese internment camps to the stage, Emmy discovers that historical integrity and creative licence can’t always coexist - the entertainment world craves spectacle and profit, even if it means rewriting the truth.
This book combines Yellowface’s razor sharp commentary on who has the right to tell stories, with the vibes of Evelyn Hugo and the delicate exploration of mixed race identity in The Weight of Blood. You’ll also find authentic BIPOC & queer rep throughout, and a sapphic storyline filled with yearning and tension ❤️🔥
If you’re looking for an absorbing historical fiction with a fresh & contemporary spin, definitely check this one out!
Thank you HarperCollins Australia for sending me a review copy, all thoughts are my own.
4.5/5 stars
Until the Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker is everything I want in a historical fiction - lush prose, a compelling main character, sharp commentary and a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
Set in the 1950s Australian theatre scene, the book follows Emmy Darling, a white-passing Japanese-Australian woman whose creative talent hides behind her husband’s name. When theatre impresario Virginia van Belle offers her the chance to bring her family history and experience in Japanese internment camps to the stage, Emmy discovers that historical integrity and creative licence can’t always coexist - the entertainment world craves spectacle and profit, even if it means rewriting the truth.
This book combines Yellowface’s razor sharp commentary on who has the right to tell stories, with the vibes of Evelyn Hugo and the delicate exploration of mixed race identity in The Weight of Blood. You’ll also find authentic BIPOC & queer rep throughout, and a sapphic storyline filled with yearning and tension ❤️🔥
If you’re looking for an absorbing historical fiction with a fresh & contemporary spin, definitely check this one out!
Thank you HarperCollins Australia for sending me a review copy, all thoughts are my own.
4.5/5 stars
September 5, 2025
4.5 stars.
When charismatic theatre impresario and leading lady, Virginia van Belle, insists Emmy Darling write about her wartime experiences as the lead play in her 1957 season, Emmy is faced with every writer's dilemma. Emmy’s name is actually Emiko Tanaka. She and her Japanese-Australian family were held in internment camps by the Australian government after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. And it's this secret that Virginia wants to bring to the masses. As Emmy struggles to determine where the edges of truth and fiction blur, Virginia's vision of the story morphs into something more sensationalised. What happens when you let the truth get in the way of a good story?
This was an epic book, with a beautiful story to match that stunning cover! Emmy stole my heart in no time, with her skillset and forward thinking. It was such a shame that her bright talent was overshadowed because of her identity, as a female and a Japanese in Australia at that particular time period.
The theatre setting was unexpected, but I welcomed it wholeheartedly. The flair and drama on the stage and behind the curtain kept me hooked. I really liked how realistic Emmy and Sebastian’s interactions were. None of the characters was caricature villain - they were all humans who tried their best in the world they were in, and they made mistakes and hurt each other. I also adored Isadora and Emmy’s all other theatre friends.
This was a heartfelt, high-impact story which touched on an important piece of Australian history and the rippling effects across generations.
(Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
When charismatic theatre impresario and leading lady, Virginia van Belle, insists Emmy Darling write about her wartime experiences as the lead play in her 1957 season, Emmy is faced with every writer's dilemma. Emmy’s name is actually Emiko Tanaka. She and her Japanese-Australian family were held in internment camps by the Australian government after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. And it's this secret that Virginia wants to bring to the masses. As Emmy struggles to determine where the edges of truth and fiction blur, Virginia's vision of the story morphs into something more sensationalised. What happens when you let the truth get in the way of a good story?
This was an epic book, with a beautiful story to match that stunning cover! Emmy stole my heart in no time, with her skillset and forward thinking. It was such a shame that her bright talent was overshadowed because of her identity, as a female and a Japanese in Australia at that particular time period.
The theatre setting was unexpected, but I welcomed it wholeheartedly. The flair and drama on the stage and behind the curtain kept me hooked. I really liked how realistic Emmy and Sebastian’s interactions were. None of the characters was caricature villain - they were all humans who tried their best in the world they were in, and they made mistakes and hurt each other. I also adored Isadora and Emmy’s all other theatre friends.
This was a heartfelt, high-impact story which touched on an important piece of Australian history and the rippling effects across generations.
(Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
June 13, 2025
This stunning novel explores concepts around multiculturalism, identity and romance (including queer representation).
I loved the strong female lead and the elements of Emiko endeavouring to make something of herself, outside of the typical roles she was expected to fulfil as a 1950s wife.
Alli Parker developed strong characters who were valuable to the storyline in their own ways.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced reader copy.
I loved the strong female lead and the elements of Emiko endeavouring to make something of herself, outside of the typical roles she was expected to fulfil as a 1950s wife.
Alli Parker developed strong characters who were valuable to the storyline in their own ways.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced reader copy.
September 2, 2025
I wish there was a half star...I give 3 1/2 stars. I did enjoy this story, although there were times when it felt a bit drawn out. It was interesting learning about the internment of various groups of people, very sad. Hopefully this is something we have learned from.
September 30, 2025
4.75 stars (rounded up to 5)
Alli Parker, you have magic in your words. This was a deeply emotional and heart wrenching book and I don’t think there’s enough words to describe how much of an impact this will have on you.
full rtc!
Alli Parker, you have magic in your words. This was a deeply emotional and heart wrenching book and I don’t think there’s enough words to describe how much of an impact this will have on you.
full rtc!
December 15, 2025
Alli, you have done it again !! This book was incredibly well written, and the story was genuinely beautiful. It had been on the top of my list to read since release day, and I was so excited to dig into it after attending your book tour. Until the Red Leaves Fall genuinely has been one of my favourite reads of the year!! I loved reading Emiko’s story and absolutely loved the climax and ending. 5/5, no questions asked!
Go read this book, I beg you
Go read this book, I beg you
June 6, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 5 stars!
After falling in love with At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree, I had high hopes for Alli Parker’s latest novel, Until The Red Leaves Fall, and once again, she delivered a story that was moving, raw, and utterly unforgettable. I was up until almost midnight reading because I couldn't put it down!
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1950s Australian theatre scene, Until The Red Leaves Fall follows Emmy Darling (aka Emiko Tanaka), an Australian-born Japanese woman trying to carve her own space in a society that seems determined to shut her out. Emmy is a dutiful wife to a rising playwright, but when his big opportunity at the prestigious Bellview Theatre falls through, Emmy is unexpectedly pulled into the spotlight. Virginia, a glamorous and ambitious actress, sees potential in Emmy’s hidden talent for storytelling, and together they embark on a project that will unearth painful truths.
Emmy’s goal was simple yet profound: to tell the untold story of her family’s internment during World War II, a history so many would rather forget. But as her script is reshaped and sanitised to fit the theatre’s expectations, old wounds resurface, both in her professional life and within the confines of her own home.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how Alli tackles racism, not with heavy-handed declarations, but with a quiet, unwavering honesty. Through Emmy’s experiences, the reader is shown the insidious ways racism seeps into everyday life, from casual dismissals to outright hostility. It’s woven gently but unmistakably into the fabric of the story, giving stark clarity to the prejudice and bigotry Emmy faces. At every turn, the novel challenges you to confront these injustices, often leaving you sitting with uncomfortable truths — exactly as great historical fiction should.
Emmy is a masterfully crafted protagonist: soft-spoken but resilient, gracious even when faced with cruelty. Where others might have snapped, Emmy meets hatred with patience and quiet strength. Her response to adversity is not to harden, but to hold onto her kindness, a portrayal that felt both realistic and deeply inspiring. I really loved her!
Beyond its powerful commentary on race, the novel also shines with its tender depiction of forbidden love and found family. The sapphic romance that blossoms between Emmy and Isadora is beautiful and bittersweet, layered with the risk and secrecy demanded by the era. Themes of friendship, betrayal, and loyalty are intricately woven through the narrative, and Alli doesn’t shy away from the complexities of human relationships.
The historical setting is brought vividly to life, from the buzzing energy of Melbourne’s theatre scene to the vast, evocative landscapes of rural Australia. Parker’s prose is lush without being overwrought, and her attention to historical detail makes every scene feel immersive. The mention of a kookaburra laughing had me grinning! The flashbacks were seamlessly done, and every piece of Emmy's history was thoughtfully revealed and well executed.
What to expect:
🍂 Historical Fiction
💮 1950s Australian Theatre Scene
🍂 Australia-Based Setting
💮 Forbidden Love
🍂 Sapphic Romance
💮 Found Family
🍂 Secrets, Drama & Betrayal
💮 LGBTQI+ Representation
🍂 Thought-Provoking Themes
Trigger Warnings: ⚠️ Adultery, miscarriage, racism, mentions of war.
Until The Red Leaves Fall is not just a story about love and ambition — it’s a searing reflection on race, belonging, and resilience. It’s a novel that will stay with you long after the final page, making you think, making you feel, and above all, making you remember. Alli Parker has solidified her place on my auto-read list, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
I’m so grateful to have been gifted a stunning proof ARC by HarperCollins Australia. I feel so lucky to have read this early. ❤️ Thank you SO much! 🦋✨
Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Facebook | My Books
After falling in love with At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree, I had high hopes for Alli Parker’s latest novel, Until The Red Leaves Fall, and once again, she delivered a story that was moving, raw, and utterly unforgettable. I was up until almost midnight reading because I couldn't put it down!
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1950s Australian theatre scene, Until The Red Leaves Fall follows Emmy Darling (aka Emiko Tanaka), an Australian-born Japanese woman trying to carve her own space in a society that seems determined to shut her out. Emmy is a dutiful wife to a rising playwright, but when his big opportunity at the prestigious Bellview Theatre falls through, Emmy is unexpectedly pulled into the spotlight. Virginia, a glamorous and ambitious actress, sees potential in Emmy’s hidden talent for storytelling, and together they embark on a project that will unearth painful truths.
Emmy’s goal was simple yet profound: to tell the untold story of her family’s internment during World War II, a history so many would rather forget. But as her script is reshaped and sanitised to fit the theatre’s expectations, old wounds resurface, both in her professional life and within the confines of her own home.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how Alli tackles racism, not with heavy-handed declarations, but with a quiet, unwavering honesty. Through Emmy’s experiences, the reader is shown the insidious ways racism seeps into everyday life, from casual dismissals to outright hostility. It’s woven gently but unmistakably into the fabric of the story, giving stark clarity to the prejudice and bigotry Emmy faces. At every turn, the novel challenges you to confront these injustices, often leaving you sitting with uncomfortable truths — exactly as great historical fiction should.
Emmy is a masterfully crafted protagonist: soft-spoken but resilient, gracious even when faced with cruelty. Where others might have snapped, Emmy meets hatred with patience and quiet strength. Her response to adversity is not to harden, but to hold onto her kindness, a portrayal that felt both realistic and deeply inspiring. I really loved her!
Beyond its powerful commentary on race, the novel also shines with its tender depiction of forbidden love and found family. The sapphic romance that blossoms between Emmy and Isadora is beautiful and bittersweet, layered with the risk and secrecy demanded by the era. Themes of friendship, betrayal, and loyalty are intricately woven through the narrative, and Alli doesn’t shy away from the complexities of human relationships.
The historical setting is brought vividly to life, from the buzzing energy of Melbourne’s theatre scene to the vast, evocative landscapes of rural Australia. Parker’s prose is lush without being overwrought, and her attention to historical detail makes every scene feel immersive. The mention of a kookaburra laughing had me grinning! The flashbacks were seamlessly done, and every piece of Emmy's history was thoughtfully revealed and well executed.
What to expect:
🍂 Historical Fiction
💮 1950s Australian Theatre Scene
🍂 Australia-Based Setting
💮 Forbidden Love
🍂 Sapphic Romance
💮 Found Family
🍂 Secrets, Drama & Betrayal
💮 LGBTQI+ Representation
🍂 Thought-Provoking Themes
Trigger Warnings: ⚠️ Adultery, miscarriage, racism, mentions of war.
Until The Red Leaves Fall is not just a story about love and ambition — it’s a searing reflection on race, belonging, and resilience. It’s a novel that will stay with you long after the final page, making you think, making you feel, and above all, making you remember. Alli Parker has solidified her place on my auto-read list, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
I’m so grateful to have been gifted a stunning proof ARC by HarperCollins Australia. I feel so lucky to have read this early. ❤️ Thank you SO much! 🦋✨
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July 7, 2025
'Until the Red Leaves Fall' made me feel more than most books I've read this year; it made me viscerally angry, it made me cry, it made me fist-pump the air in triumph. Alli Parker is a dear friend so I was always going to love this, but I truly believe she's written something very special here.
What strikes me most about this novel is what a tightrope it walks -- miraculously, effortlessly. It's an ardent defence of story sovereignty, but without any of the postmodern selfconsciousness that so often plagues 'meta' stories. It's a sophisticated rumination on race, gender and sexuality in so-called 'Australia', but it never sacrifices plot, moving at a cracking pace through wonderful twists and turns. And it's a historical novel that speaks to contemporary concerns without feeling anachronistic.
Through her heroine Emiko Tanaka / Emmy Darling, a mixed-race Japanese-Australian housewife and playwright who is able to pass as white (just), Alli cracks open notions of artifice vs authenticity, secrecy vs self-preservation, courage vs cowardice. 'Red Leaves' restores both Japanese-Australian and queer narratives to our cultural imaginary of 1950s Melbourne in ways that feel both perfectly natural and wonderfully fresh.
Readers who enjoyed Alli's debut 'At the Foot of the Cherry Tree' are in for a treat. The books speak to one another in really interesting ways, but can be enjoyed on their own (and in either order). This sister-novel-of-sorts has all the sincerity and heart of the first, but it's also pricklier, bolder, and more effervescent. Highly, highly recommend!
What strikes me most about this novel is what a tightrope it walks -- miraculously, effortlessly. It's an ardent defence of story sovereignty, but without any of the postmodern selfconsciousness that so often plagues 'meta' stories. It's a sophisticated rumination on race, gender and sexuality in so-called 'Australia', but it never sacrifices plot, moving at a cracking pace through wonderful twists and turns. And it's a historical novel that speaks to contemporary concerns without feeling anachronistic.
Through her heroine Emiko Tanaka / Emmy Darling, a mixed-race Japanese-Australian housewife and playwright who is able to pass as white (just), Alli cracks open notions of artifice vs authenticity, secrecy vs self-preservation, courage vs cowardice. 'Red Leaves' restores both Japanese-Australian and queer narratives to our cultural imaginary of 1950s Melbourne in ways that feel both perfectly natural and wonderfully fresh.
Readers who enjoyed Alli's debut 'At the Foot of the Cherry Tree' are in for a treat. The books speak to one another in really interesting ways, but can be enjoyed on their own (and in either order). This sister-novel-of-sorts has all the sincerity and heart of the first, but it's also pricklier, bolder, and more effervescent. Highly, highly recommend!
December 12, 2025
I really enjoyed the dual timeline in this story, including the internment camps during WWII and in Melbourne playwright scene in 1957.
I really enjoy Alli Parker's writing and her personal connection to her beautiful stories.
'The red leaves had finally fallen.
Emiko was finally free.'
I really enjoy Alli Parker's writing and her personal connection to her beautiful stories.
'The red leaves had finally fallen.
Emiko was finally free.'
November 20, 2025
Alli Parker has done it again with another beautifully written historical fiction
Set in Melbourne in the mid 50s, Australian born Japanese housewife Emmy Darling is trying to find her place in a world the appears to be moving with the times. She finds much joy and reward in editing her playwright husband Sebastian’s screenplays, and when his most recent job falls through, Emmy is offered a chance to create her own screenplay for the prestigious Belleview theatre company, drawing on her families experiences during World War II
But when Virginia, the lead actress and owner of the Belleview adjusts the story to suit her own agenda, Emmy starts to question if times are really changing and fights to tell her truths
July 31, 2025
“But like anyone, my past is littered with skins I’ve shed and memories I’ve left behind.”
Wow I was totally swept away by this story, by Alli’s writing, the secrets, the pain, the betrayal and the story behind Japanese- Australians being held in internment camps. It was so incredible, I read it in one sitting!
Set in 1957, we are taken on a trip through Melbourne’s theatre days, the parties, the marriages where women forgo their dreams.
We meet Emmy (Emiko) who’s always assisting her husband while he writes his plays, but she has the opportunity to finally write her own play and tell her family’s story and the truth about their wartime experience.
The dual timeline is written clearly and perfectly, going back to 1946 we read about Emmy and her family, how they were separated, the sacrifices she made and what she lost.
While Emmy works hard to deliver the truth via her play, she has to go through many obstacles, keep secrets and try and do the right thing. I loved the new friendships she made and Isadora was such a wonderful addition to the story.
This story touches on themes of forbidden love, gender norms, standing up for yourself and true love.
Emiko, you’re a woman I’ll never forget. Revisiting your past and retelling your family’s story was brave and took my breath away. The way you dealt with being a wife in these times, what you faced, was so painful. But the way you followed your heart brought me so much joy, I feel like I know you and I’m so proud of you.
I could talk about this book all day, I loved it and highly recommend it! It’s definitely one of my top reads of 2025.
Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia for sending me an early copy.
Wow I was totally swept away by this story, by Alli’s writing, the secrets, the pain, the betrayal and the story behind Japanese- Australians being held in internment camps. It was so incredible, I read it in one sitting!
Set in 1957, we are taken on a trip through Melbourne’s theatre days, the parties, the marriages where women forgo their dreams.
We meet Emmy (Emiko) who’s always assisting her husband while he writes his plays, but she has the opportunity to finally write her own play and tell her family’s story and the truth about their wartime experience.
The dual timeline is written clearly and perfectly, going back to 1946 we read about Emmy and her family, how they were separated, the sacrifices she made and what she lost.
While Emmy works hard to deliver the truth via her play, she has to go through many obstacles, keep secrets and try and do the right thing. I loved the new friendships she made and Isadora was such a wonderful addition to the story.
This story touches on themes of forbidden love, gender norms, standing up for yourself and true love.
Emiko, you’re a woman I’ll never forget. Revisiting your past and retelling your family’s story was brave and took my breath away. The way you dealt with being a wife in these times, what you faced, was so painful. But the way you followed your heart brought me so much joy, I feel like I know you and I’m so proud of you.
I could talk about this book all day, I loved it and highly recommend it! It’s definitely one of my top reads of 2025.
Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia for sending me an early copy.
September 5, 2025
One of my favourite things about reading historical fiction is learning things. And how refreshing, interesting and saddening it was to learn about these internment camps that happened right here in Australia. I am very historically naive and talking to my husband about this, found his grandfather had been placed in one of these camps so this then felt that much more relevant.
The book is set in 1957 and follows Emmy Darling, a name she has adopted for herself so as not to out her Japanese heritage (formerly known as Emiko Tanaka). She has married an up-and-coming playwright in Melbourne and is assisting him editing scenes, when a chance presents for her to write her own show about her family's experience in the wartime camps. She jumps at this opportunity, however, the very powerful owner and actress of the Belleview theatre has her own agenda and Emmy is left fighting between telling the truth or a sensationalised story for theatrical value.
I loved the historical information and everything to do with Emmy's family was just beautiful. In fact, all the side characters were great additions to the story and I loved how they integrated seamlessly in Emmy's life. I found the first half or so extremely slow. The writing was beautiful and I was so interested to learn, but it wasn't until the second half when the plot moved along a little more quickly that I found myself turning the page more eagerly. I was also wishing a couple of ends had been tied up more thoroughly. But this was so much more than a story about war and I have Alli Parker's other novel waiting patiently on my kindle and I aim to move that up my reading list now!
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up to 4.
The book is set in 1957 and follows Emmy Darling, a name she has adopted for herself so as not to out her Japanese heritage (formerly known as Emiko Tanaka). She has married an up-and-coming playwright in Melbourne and is assisting him editing scenes, when a chance presents for her to write her own show about her family's experience in the wartime camps. She jumps at this opportunity, however, the very powerful owner and actress of the Belleview theatre has her own agenda and Emmy is left fighting between telling the truth or a sensationalised story for theatrical value.
I loved the historical information and everything to do with Emmy's family was just beautiful. In fact, all the side characters were great additions to the story and I loved how they integrated seamlessly in Emmy's life. I found the first half or so extremely slow. The writing was beautiful and I was so interested to learn, but it wasn't until the second half when the plot moved along a little more quickly that I found myself turning the page more eagerly. I was also wishing a couple of ends had been tied up more thoroughly. But this was so much more than a story about war and I have Alli Parker's other novel waiting patiently on my kindle and I aim to move that up my reading list now!
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up to 4.
August 29, 2025
Until the Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker is an incredibly powerful and beautifully written piece of historical fiction. It follows the journey of Emiko Tanaka, an Australian-born Japanese woman navigating the trauma of her past and the legacy of wartime internment, while searching and fighting for her place in the world.
I was completely hooked on Emiko’s story, her resilience, vulnerability, and strength leapt off the page. As someone who has also experienced racial and gender-based discrimination, there were moments in her journey that felt deeply personal and resonant.
What shocked me most, however, was learning about Australia’s history of internment camps. I am not proud to admit that before this book, I had no idea that Australian-born Japanese were taken from their homes and imprisoned for no reason other than their heritage. Alli's ability to weave this overlooked history into an emotional, character driven narrative is nothing short of remarkable.
This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction that not only transports you to another time, but also opens your eyes to a terrible past that shouldn't be allowed to be hidden or forgotten.
I was completely hooked on Emiko’s story, her resilience, vulnerability, and strength leapt off the page. As someone who has also experienced racial and gender-based discrimination, there were moments in her journey that felt deeply personal and resonant.
What shocked me most, however, was learning about Australia’s history of internment camps. I am not proud to admit that before this book, I had no idea that Australian-born Japanese were taken from their homes and imprisoned for no reason other than their heritage. Alli's ability to weave this overlooked history into an emotional, character driven narrative is nothing short of remarkable.
This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction that not only transports you to another time, but also opens your eyes to a terrible past that shouldn't be allowed to be hidden or forgotten.
October 1, 2025
One of my favourite things about reading historical fiction is how much I learn along the way and Until the Red Leaves Fall was no exception. It was refreshing, beautifully written, and deeply saddening to learn about the internment camps that existed right here in Australia, and what happened to those who were held in them after wartime. I hadn’t known much about this part of our history before, and Alli Parker brought it to life with such care and emotional weight.
The story itself is full of emotional twists and turns with almost every character holding onto a secret waiting to be revealed. I spent the entire second half of the book hoping desperately for a happy ending, stressed out and bracing myself in case Emiko didn’t get the peace she and her family deserved. It’s one of those reads that keeps you emotionally invested until the very last page.
I was lucky enough to attend one of Alli Parker’s book launch events in June, and if you ever get the chance to see her speak, take it. She’s just as captivating in person as she is on the page. Hearing her talk about the research and care she poured into this novel gave me adeeper appreciation for the story whilst reading.
The story itself is full of emotional twists and turns with almost every character holding onto a secret waiting to be revealed. I spent the entire second half of the book hoping desperately for a happy ending, stressed out and bracing myself in case Emiko didn’t get the peace she and her family deserved. It’s one of those reads that keeps you emotionally invested until the very last page.
I was lucky enough to attend one of Alli Parker’s book launch events in June, and if you ever get the chance to see her speak, take it. She’s just as captivating in person as she is on the page. Hearing her talk about the research and care she poured into this novel gave me adeeper appreciation for the story whilst reading.
November 13, 2025
4.75 stars - Rousing, breathtaking, gut wrenching, Alli Parker knows how to pack a punch and Until The Red Leaves Fall left me awestruck after the turn of the final page. I was honestly not expecting to adore this the way I did, and maybe it’s my Showgirl era talking but this story just swept me away and wouldn’t let me go. The struggles and triumphs of Emmy and Isadorq, and the visceral hatred I felt for other unnamed-so-as-not-to-spoil characters was so all consuming and raw and every time I put the book down to make a coffee I just wanted to pick it straight back up again. The only reason it isn’t getting 5 stars is that I would personally have loved to see certain characters get more of their comeuppance in those final 30 or so pages… I just hated them that much that to see karma hit them even harder would have been so fulfilling. But either way, a top book of the year for me!
August 26, 2025
Alli Parker’s Until the Red Leaves Fall is a beautifully written exploration of hidden histories, identity, and the price of truth. Told in dual timelines - set against the glittering backdrop of 1950s Australian theatre and the harsh reality of an internment camp twelve years earlier - this novel explores agency, love and the weight of expectation.
Through Emmy Darling, whose real name is Emiko Tanaka, Parker shines a light on Japanese internment in Australia during the Second World War. I was struck by how little I knew of this chapter of Australia’s past, and Parker handles it with both sensitivity and power, blending fact and fiction into a narrative that feels both urgent and timeless.
At its heart, this is a story about belonging: who gets to tell their story, how much truth must be sacrificed for acceptance, and what courage it takes to finally claim one’s voice. Emmy’s struggles with secrecy, loyalty, and ambition are relatable, even as the shadows of her past add powerful weight to her choices.
Thanks Netgalley and Harper Collins for an early review copy.
Through Emmy Darling, whose real name is Emiko Tanaka, Parker shines a light on Japanese internment in Australia during the Second World War. I was struck by how little I knew of this chapter of Australia’s past, and Parker handles it with both sensitivity and power, blending fact and fiction into a narrative that feels both urgent and timeless.
At its heart, this is a story about belonging: who gets to tell their story, how much truth must be sacrificed for acceptance, and what courage it takes to finally claim one’s voice. Emmy’s struggles with secrecy, loyalty, and ambition are relatable, even as the shadows of her past add powerful weight to her choices.
Thanks Netgalley and Harper Collins for an early review copy.
November 24, 2025
I neglected reading this for so long because of how much I knew I would love it and I didn’t want to rush through it. Turns out I read it in two sittings, unable to get Emmys story out of my head! The flow and structure is immaculate, with every word having its place within the pages. I take being queer in 2025 for granted, without fear of arrest here in Naarm. Also loved the little nod to cherry and Gordon in this!
July 30, 2025
Alli Parker’s latest novel is an eye opening story about identity and how our past experiences shape who we become. Emmy/Emiko is a beautiful character and I love how she develops throughout the story. She starts almost ashamed of her background and cultural heritage and as she starts to unpack the trauma of her childhood through writing her play, we see her grow as she embraces her past and shares her history with Isadora.
This was not a part of Australian history that I knew about so I found it interesting to learn as I was reading. Australia as a country prides itself on its multiculturalism but often hides behind the history and the racism that lead to what we have today. I really enjoyed Alli’s take on this and how she chose to tell this story.
This book reminded me a lot of Yellowface (Rebecca F. Kuang), not so much in the content but that it explores similar themes of trauma and who is equipped to share these stories.
Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers Australia, NetGalley and the author for my copy of this book in exchange for a review
This was not a part of Australian history that I knew about so I found it interesting to learn as I was reading. Australia as a country prides itself on its multiculturalism but often hides behind the history and the racism that lead to what we have today. I really enjoyed Alli’s take on this and how she chose to tell this story.
This book reminded me a lot of Yellowface (Rebecca F. Kuang), not so much in the content but that it explores similar themes of trauma and who is equipped to share these stories.
Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers Australia, NetGalley and the author for my copy of this book in exchange for a review
September 27, 2025
That was a lot, like that got kinda crazy??
It started off a bit slow, but that might’ve been my own fault for not picking up the book more frequently.
For such a pretty cover there are some kind of dark plot points, but it was written so tastefully.
I found myself immersed in the story, so much so that it would take me a minute to ground myself in reality after each read.
Would recommend!!
It started off a bit slow, but that might’ve been my own fault for not picking up the book more frequently.
For such a pretty cover there are some kind of dark plot points, but it was written so tastefully.
I found myself immersed in the story, so much so that it would take me a minute to ground myself in reality after each read.
Would recommend!!
November 14, 2025
Alli's writing is truly charming and I cannot get enough of it! If you love historical fiction, be sure to pick this gorgeous book up.
Emmy Darling by name, Darling by nature.
She plays her role, that of a wife, safely. Self sacrificing in order to survive, despite no longer being held in internment camps, starts to wear her down.
Her husband, Virginia van Belle and Australia seems to view so little of her. To take so much of her, the only parts that matter and leaving nothing behind.
When faced with her world imploding, what does she choose to do? Will she stand up for a life she deserves or one that's safe?
Truly stunning and enchanting.
Emmy Darling by name, Darling by nature.
She plays her role, that of a wife, safely. Self sacrificing in order to survive, despite no longer being held in internment camps, starts to wear her down.
Her husband, Virginia van Belle and Australia seems to view so little of her. To take so much of her, the only parts that matter and leaving nothing behind.
When faced with her world imploding, what does she choose to do? Will she stand up for a life she deserves or one that's safe?
Truly stunning and enchanting.
Read
February 22, 2025RTC closer to publication.
Read
October 11, 2025DNF. Gave up after 20 pages. Too many Lessons in Chemistry vibes.
December 5, 2025
4.5 stars.
October 10, 2025
It's definitely worth the read
June 24, 2025
A beautiful and original book set in Melbourne in the late 1950s. I’ll admit it took me a little to get into this book, because there were some fairly unlikeable characters and I wasn’t enjoying how the main character was being treated. But as she found new friends, a new purpose and new love, and shared more of her story of being in an internment camp during WWII.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
October 11, 2025
This is a story about othering, relationships, social expectations, and racism. These issues were prevalent in 1950s Australia, adding tension to communities that were still adjusting to post-World War II life. Alli Parker explores the roles women were expected to play, the impact of discrimination against specific groups, and the pressures exerted on many to conform when choosing a partner. All of these themes thread through the story of Emmy Darling.
Emmy (real name Emiko Tanaka) is married to a moderately successful playwright, Sebastian. She plays the dutiful wife, cleaning the house, having dinner on the table at the time her husband requires, and keeping her opinions to herself. In reality, Emmy is helping Sebastian with his scripts, and her contributions improve his work, but of course, no credit is ever given to her. Emmy accepts this as it allows her to write, a dream set aside once she became a housewife.
Things start to change when Sebastian is fired and Emmy ends up being commissioned as the writer for a new play. What Sebastian does not know is that Emmy is working at the same theatre from which he was fired.
Emmy wants to tell the story of her family, who were kept in internment camps in Australia following the attacks on Pearl Harbour. Even though most of her family was born in Australia, they were locked up and treated as criminals, threatened with deportation. This is a part of Australian history that many are not aware of. Men, women, and children of many nationalities were taken from their homes and locked up. It did not matter that they had been born in Australia, had their own businesses, and were contributing to their local communities. They all became persona non grata.
This is the story Emmy fights to tell, but she finds that working with an opinionated and dominating employer, in the form of Virginia van Belle, is more fraught than she could have imagined.
The pressure of adapting the play to Virginia’s demands and avoiding telling Sebastian where she is working takes their toll. Added to this is her struggle to fulfil her wifely duty and be a mother, something she is not really sure she wants. Feeling isolated, Emmy seeks refuge in friendship. This relationship is with a local dancer, Isadora. The women find solace in supporting each other, and slowly, their relationship becomes more intimate, which could threaten not only their employment but also their liberty.
Emmy has many decisions to make. Does she want to save her marriage? Is having a child a priority? Can she stand up to Virginia and tell her family’s story with integrity? Just how far will she allow Isadora into her life?
The perfect weekend read.
Emmy (real name Emiko Tanaka) is married to a moderately successful playwright, Sebastian. She plays the dutiful wife, cleaning the house, having dinner on the table at the time her husband requires, and keeping her opinions to herself. In reality, Emmy is helping Sebastian with his scripts, and her contributions improve his work, but of course, no credit is ever given to her. Emmy accepts this as it allows her to write, a dream set aside once she became a housewife.
Things start to change when Sebastian is fired and Emmy ends up being commissioned as the writer for a new play. What Sebastian does not know is that Emmy is working at the same theatre from which he was fired.
Emmy wants to tell the story of her family, who were kept in internment camps in Australia following the attacks on Pearl Harbour. Even though most of her family was born in Australia, they were locked up and treated as criminals, threatened with deportation. This is a part of Australian history that many are not aware of. Men, women, and children of many nationalities were taken from their homes and locked up. It did not matter that they had been born in Australia, had their own businesses, and were contributing to their local communities. They all became persona non grata.
This is the story Emmy fights to tell, but she finds that working with an opinionated and dominating employer, in the form of Virginia van Belle, is more fraught than she could have imagined.
The pressure of adapting the play to Virginia’s demands and avoiding telling Sebastian where she is working takes their toll. Added to this is her struggle to fulfil her wifely duty and be a mother, something she is not really sure she wants. Feeling isolated, Emmy seeks refuge in friendship. This relationship is with a local dancer, Isadora. The women find solace in supporting each other, and slowly, their relationship becomes more intimate, which could threaten not only their employment but also their liberty.
Emmy has many decisions to make. Does she want to save her marriage? Is having a child a priority? Can she stand up to Virginia and tell her family’s story with integrity? Just how far will she allow Isadora into her life?
The perfect weekend read.
August 22, 2025
I really really wanted to love this. I couldn’t wait to read this soon as I found out it Parker had her sophomore book on the way. I absolutely loved and devoured ‘Under the Cherry Tree’ so I don’t know whether I came into this with expectations set too high or what but I am walking away more disappointed than I expected.
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this and it is a solid read. The book is really exceptionally well written but the characters are just not as engaging or don’t feel as well rounded and in-depth as her previous book (This could be just simply because these characters are not a fictional version of her grand parents like her last book). I just didn’t connect with these characters as much and I found myself getting more and more bored as a book went on, particularly in the latter part of the middle of the book. I felt like just a whole lot of nothing was happening and the plot was progressing as a really slow pace.
But I think most of my issues with this book fell with the audiobook. I don’t know much about the narrator or when it was recorded but it felt like this might have been one of those recorded at home because lockdown forced people to stop recording things in actual recording booths. There were times you would hear the narrator cough, sip a drink, take a deep breath, clear her throat etc. This should have been edited out because they weren’t part of the story. They just distracted me way too much because it was happening at such a high frequency it was hard not to notice. But the most infuriating was THE DAMN PAUSES. What was with random pauses between some sentences out of nowhere? Sometimes it was the end of the paragraph which wasn’t so distracting but sometimes it was mid-sentence. The worst was the ones where the pause went on for like 30seconds or more. Not sure if it was just an issue with the Borrowbox’s version of the audiobook I listened to or not but man was it distracting and frustrating by the end of the 12 hours. Minus these issue, the narrator was good but the quality of the audiobook is terrible. Also was it just me or did the narrator get slower and slower as the book went on? I started the book at 1.75 speed but ended up listening to it at 2.5 speed because it felt like she taking 10 seconds a to say one word.
I do really recommend reading this book rather than the audiobook the quality of the audiobook is just not good and it really ruined my experience of this book. Outside of the issues with the audiobook, I really do struggle to find fault in this book and therefore still recommended it but do so hesitantly.
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this and it is a solid read. The book is really exceptionally well written but the characters are just not as engaging or don’t feel as well rounded and in-depth as her previous book (This could be just simply because these characters are not a fictional version of her grand parents like her last book). I just didn’t connect with these characters as much and I found myself getting more and more bored as a book went on, particularly in the latter part of the middle of the book. I felt like just a whole lot of nothing was happening and the plot was progressing as a really slow pace.
But I think most of my issues with this book fell with the audiobook. I don’t know much about the narrator or when it was recorded but it felt like this might have been one of those recorded at home because lockdown forced people to stop recording things in actual recording booths. There were times you would hear the narrator cough, sip a drink, take a deep breath, clear her throat etc. This should have been edited out because they weren’t part of the story. They just distracted me way too much because it was happening at such a high frequency it was hard not to notice. But the most infuriating was THE DAMN PAUSES. What was with random pauses between some sentences out of nowhere? Sometimes it was the end of the paragraph which wasn’t so distracting but sometimes it was mid-sentence. The worst was the ones where the pause went on for like 30seconds or more. Not sure if it was just an issue with the Borrowbox’s version of the audiobook I listened to or not but man was it distracting and frustrating by the end of the 12 hours. Minus these issue, the narrator was good but the quality of the audiobook is terrible. Also was it just me or did the narrator get slower and slower as the book went on? I started the book at 1.75 speed but ended up listening to it at 2.5 speed because it felt like she taking 10 seconds a to say one word.
I do really recommend reading this book rather than the audiobook the quality of the audiobook is just not good and it really ruined my experience of this book. Outside of the issues with the audiobook, I really do struggle to find fault in this book and therefore still recommended it but do so hesitantly.
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