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The Sea of Japan
After fleeing a disastrous teaching job (and a bad gambling habit) in Boston, Lindsey starts teaching English in Hime, a small fishing town in Japan. One morning, while trying to snap the perfect ocean sunrise photo for her mother, she slips off a rock at the edge of Toyama Bay, hits her head, and plunges into the sea—and in doing so, sets off an unexpected chain of events.
When Lindsey comes to in the hospital, she learns that she owes her life to a young man named Ichiro—a local fisherman who also happens to be the older brother of one of her students. She begins to spend time with her lifesaver, and in the ensuing months, she becomes increasingly enmeshed in her new life: when she is not busy teaching, she splits her time between an apprenticeship with the local master sushi chef and going out fishing with Ichiro. As she and Ichiro grow closer, however, she also learns that not all is well in Hime, and she is drawn into a war to stop the town next door from overfishing their shared bay. Soon, she, Ichiro, and her pastrami-obsessed best friend, Judy—the person who talked Lindsey into coming to Japan in the first place—are spending all their free time working together to rescue the town. But when their efforts backfire, Hime gets closer to falling apart—putting Lindsey’s friends, her budding relationship with Ichiro, and her career in jeopardy. To save Hime, Lindsey realizes, she’ll have to become a true American fisherwoman and fight for her new home with everything she has.
When Lindsey comes to in the hospital, she learns that she owes her life to a young man named Ichiro—a local fisherman who also happens to be the older brother of one of her students. She begins to spend time with her lifesaver, and in the ensuing months, she becomes increasingly enmeshed in her new life: when she is not busy teaching, she splits her time between an apprenticeship with the local master sushi chef and going out fishing with Ichiro. As she and Ichiro grow closer, however, she also learns that not all is well in Hime, and she is drawn into a war to stop the town next door from overfishing their shared bay. Soon, she, Ichiro, and her pastrami-obsessed best friend, Judy—the person who talked Lindsey into coming to Japan in the first place—are spending all their free time working together to rescue the town. But when their efforts backfire, Hime gets closer to falling apart—putting Lindsey’s friends, her budding relationship with Ichiro, and her career in jeopardy. To save Hime, Lindsey realizes, she’ll have to become a true American fisherwoman and fight for her new home with everything she has.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2019
17 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 13, 2019
What we have here is a story of one woman's unexpected journey to discovering herself. There are dry parts (ironic considering the title/subject matter...but, there you have it) and parts so infused with "flavor" that one can't bare to turn away...now that I think about it, it's sort of the same balance found in our leading lady's life.
We bare witness to Lindsey san losing faith in her initial mission for coming to this beautiful country, and almost losing her life in the process. We watch as she finds strength after that brush with death, as well as a new sense of purpose. We see her as she discovers her place within the community despite being an outsider, and finally finding a home away from home within a country, with a people, and eventually against all odds, love. It's quite the journey, and by no means paved with roses (or tulips), but it was her's to make, for better or worse.
In the end, I enjoyed my time at sea with Lindsey san and Ichiro, and valued getting to know their souls (fictitious or not) throughout the course of the tides they sailed, and was truly moved by how their story ended. The only downside for me was the intensity with which the fishing industry was delved into...it's not the whole story, but it plays a major part, so be prepared before you cast your lines. Recommended for those readers who wish for an escape from the everyday, and never say never to their dreams.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
We bare witness to Lindsey san losing faith in her initial mission for coming to this beautiful country, and almost losing her life in the process. We watch as she finds strength after that brush with death, as well as a new sense of purpose. We see her as she discovers her place within the community despite being an outsider, and finally finding a home away from home within a country, with a people, and eventually against all odds, love. It's quite the journey, and by no means paved with roses (or tulips), but it was her's to make, for better or worse.
In the end, I enjoyed my time at sea with Lindsey san and Ichiro, and valued getting to know their souls (fictitious or not) throughout the course of the tides they sailed, and was truly moved by how their story ended. The only downside for me was the intensity with which the fishing industry was delved into...it's not the whole story, but it plays a major part, so be prepared before you cast your lines. Recommended for those readers who wish for an escape from the everyday, and never say never to their dreams.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
September 6, 2019
The story follows Lindsey as she moves to Japan. She at first wants to leave and move back to America, but after her life is saved by the wonderful Ichiro and she is introduced to more of the townspeople, she slowly begins to feel like this is her home.
The story certainly contained a lot of tension, and I was far more invested in the success of the town than I thought I would be. It certainly add to the tension when you know that these things happen all the time. The competition moves in and starts taking more than their fair share, and when your survival is dependent upon that income and nobody is supporting you, there's nothing left but to move on and find something else.
While the dialogue could be somewhat stilted and the romance a bit sporadic, this was still an extremely fascinating and enjoyable read.
I am participating in the virtual book tour for The Sea of Japan.
The story certainly contained a lot of tension, and I was far more invested in the success of the town than I thought I would be. It certainly add to the tension when you know that these things happen all the time. The competition moves in and starts taking more than their fair share, and when your survival is dependent upon that income and nobody is supporting you, there's nothing left but to move on and find something else.
While the dialogue could be somewhat stilted and the romance a bit sporadic, this was still an extremely fascinating and enjoyable read.
I am participating in the virtual book tour for The Sea of Japan.
September 2, 2019
I read this book in one afternoon. It was that great. Mr. Nagano weaves a lovely poetic story filed with endearing characters. This is a book that readers don't want to miss out on. The Sea of Japan is a hidden gem!
Lindsey and Ichiro were so lovely together. There was more to them than just a "romance". It was like they were soul mates that became one. What I loved the most was Lindsey becoming a fisherwoman. Ichiro was a good teacher. Yet, there are some things that can't be taught like the "heart of the sea". It was during the fishing competition that Lindsey learned this lesson.
Everyone that I met in this book were just as good. They were not just chess pieces in a story or fillers but just as important to the story as Lindsey and Ichiro. This is a recommended read.
Lindsey and Ichiro were so lovely together. There was more to them than just a "romance". It was like they were soul mates that became one. What I loved the most was Lindsey becoming a fisherwoman. Ichiro was a good teacher. Yet, there are some things that can't be taught like the "heart of the sea". It was during the fishing competition that Lindsey learned this lesson.
Everyone that I met in this book were just as good. They were not just chess pieces in a story or fillers but just as important to the story as Lindsey and Ichiro. This is a recommended read.
September 20, 2020
This book was one of the most beautiful, yet also most tragically heartbreaking books I’ve read in awhile. The writing style was so intricate and well described, whilst also feeling very welcoming, comforting, and familiar. I found myself within these characters and within this story. I adored Ichiro as a character, as he was such a noble and honorable man through and through. I could frequently see myself within Lindsey and understand her actions and the choices she made and why she felt she needed to take on so much responsibility. Overall, I found this book so touching and comforting and will hopefully return to it at more points in my life.
September 5, 2019
Lindsey left a horrible teaching assignment in Boston and wound up in Hime, Japan, a small fishing town, teaching English. While trying to snap a picture by the local bay, Lindsay slipped, knocking herself out after hitting her head on the rocks below, and fell into sea. Fortunately, Ichiro, the brother of one of her students, saw her fall and rescued her. That began a friendship which became a business partnership and eventually more. Hime went from being the town she wanted to leave to the home she tried desperately to save. Lindsay began as a teacher and also juggled becoming a sushi apprentice, a fisherwoman, and a spokesperson for the local fishing industry that was spiraling into ruin. Lots of ups and downs in this entertaining book, which keep the reader turning pages.
January 6, 2020
Simply written and obviously not by somebody initially educated in English; that’s not to say it’s bad but just that it is unique in certain ways things are explained and certain phrases. However, the main premise of the story, the politics of the fishing industry in Japan, drags on too long and becomes boring. It is interesting though to get an insight into the fishing industry in Japan and realise what a huge part of its culture it is. Something I discovered while writing this review is that, although I was frustrated with the protagonist’s inability let go of a relationship in which she clearly was being taken advantage of, it was that same determination that finally saved the day.
December 23, 2021
I found this book terribly difficult to get through. If you can get through all the business and political and fish talk, then you’re rewarded with a love story. I have to praise the author for writing an unlikeable main character. That’s hard to do. Honestly I found her whiney and annoying. She’s supposed to be in her thirties but sometimes she acts like a teenager. Maybe that’s just men writing women I don’t know. I did like learning about the culture of Japan and fishing and sushi. But damn was the business stuff boring.
July 5, 2024
Very interesting and enjoyable
I’ve read this novel twice now and really enjoyed it both times. The background is interesting especially the history of the sushi and it’s association with the freshest fish. The story is somewhat fanciful, a lot happened in a very short time frame, which from a practical point of view was a bit unlikely, however the whole story tugs at the heart strings as well as dealing with real life politics. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get an insight into aspects of Japanese culture.
I’ve read this novel twice now and really enjoyed it both times. The background is interesting especially the history of the sushi and it’s association with the freshest fish. The story is somewhat fanciful, a lot happened in a very short time frame, which from a practical point of view was a bit unlikely, however the whole story tugs at the heart strings as well as dealing with real life politics. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get an insight into aspects of Japanese culture.
December 14, 2020
I didn’t bother finishing this novel. It was obvious that it was written by someone whose first language was not English, but who was trying to pass off the lead character as American. The lead character was unhappy with her life, but in my mind she was just spoiled and argumentative and trying to be typically American by speaking up too brashly In a country that was not her own and who’s customs and culture she did not understand. I just couldn’t get into this book.
September 27, 2020
Loved it. Really honest and real on the descripctions on Japan, all the places and traditions are real. It is very thorough and the ending!!
Loved that the author really takes you on a journey; the main character develops and evolves in such a way... You start at a point and you believe what the story goes about but no! It keeps surprising you! It really is a magnificent book full of surprises.
Loved that the author really takes you on a journey; the main character develops and evolves in such a way... You start at a point and you believe what the story goes about but no! It keeps surprising you! It really is a magnificent book full of surprises.
June 25, 2024
beautiful story
I lived in Japan as a young girl and grew to love it. It was good to remember the Japanese people and their culture through this book. Some things were not as I remember them, but accurate for the most part. It was a good story, kept my interest. It was well written.
I lived in Japan as a young girl and grew to love it. It was good to remember the Japanese people and their culture through this book. Some things were not as I remember them, but accurate for the most part. It was a good story, kept my interest. It was well written.
September 20, 2019
Loved getting exposed to the small town fishing village in this story. I really felt the sense of community and history through the eyes of the protagonist.
Also loved the character growth.
Also loved the character growth.
June 24, 2022
Really interesting
September 1, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. Such a beautiful story
February 11, 2025
As beautiful as the sea, as turbulent as the ocean, this book has it all.
March 3, 2021
I'm really unsure as to whether I liked this book or not. The details of the Japanese fishing industry were so deep at points that it felt like I was reading a non-fiction book. The will they/won't they storyline would have been better without the introduction of the ex, who was just an out-and-out arsehole and it's unbelievable that the main character was completely blind to that. Some of the plot points were achingly predictable, and the narration and dialogue felt clunky in large parts of the book.
The descriptions of Japan; in particular the scenery, history, and food; was where the book really came alive. The sense of community throughout was absolutely electric. The emotions felt by the characters, in particular their sadnesses, were palpable.
In my opinion, the author was a truly excellent poet, but the storyline was only ok. I would be interested in exploring other works by Nagano, though, to see if there are more that are to my taste.
The descriptions of Japan; in particular the scenery, history, and food; was where the book really came alive. The sense of community throughout was absolutely electric. The emotions felt by the characters, in particular their sadnesses, were palpable.
In my opinion, the author was a truly excellent poet, but the storyline was only ok. I would be interested in exploring other works by Nagano, though, to see if there are more that are to my taste.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews