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Bridge of Scarlet Leaves
In this poignant and evocative novel by New York Times bestselling author Kristina McMorris, a country is plunged into conflict and suspicion—forcing a young woman to find her place in a volatile world.
Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.
When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.
Skillfully capturing one of the most controversial episodes in recent American history, Kristina McMorris draws readers into a novel filled with triumphs and heartbreaking loss—an authentic, moving testament to love, forgiveness, and the enduring music of the human spirit.
"Impeccably researched and beautifully written." —Karen White, New York Timesbestselling author
Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern's life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother's best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.
When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.
Skillfully capturing one of the most controversial episodes in recent American history, Kristina McMorris draws readers into a novel filled with triumphs and heartbreaking loss—an authentic, moving testament to love, forgiveness, and the enduring music of the human spirit.
"Impeccably researched and beautifully written." —Karen White, New York Timesbestselling author
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First published January 1, 2012
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About the author
Kristina McMorris
16 books2,945 followersKRISTINA MCMORRIS is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of two novellas and seven historical novels, including the million-copy bestseller Sold on a Monday and, most recently, the instant international bestseller The Ways We Hide, selected as Target’s top-five reads of 2022. A recipient of more than twenty national literary awards, she previously hosted weekly TV shows for Warner Bros. and an ABC affiliate, beginning at age nine with an Emmy Award-winning program, and owned a wedding-and-event-planning company until she had far surpassed her limit of "Y.M.C.A." and chicken dances. Kristina splits her time between San Diego and Portland, Oregon, where she’s the proud mom of two teenage boys who recently stripped her of her longstanding boast of being “tall for an Asian.” For more, visit KristinaMcMorris.com
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May 15, 2022I'm so excited to share this book with all of you! As the daughter of a Japanese immigrant father and Caucasian American mother, I was raised living between cultures, not until later in life understanding where I fit in.
It's this search for identity that I infused into a love story complicated by WWII, a tragic time when friends were labeled enemies overnight. I hope you enjoy following the characters' journeys as much as I did writing them!
It's this search for identity that I infused into a love story complicated by WWII, a tragic time when friends were labeled enemies overnight. I hope you enjoy following the characters' journeys as much as I did writing them!
May 9, 2018
Maddie Kern is a talented violinist with her sights set on Julliard and with a bright future ahead of her Tj (Maddie's older brother) is extremely protective. Depending solely on themselves, as both their parents were affected by an accident, this brother and sister are close. However, there is something Maddie is hiding from TJ. She has been secretly seeing Lane Moritomo, TJ's best friend. Of Japanese ancestry, Lane's relationship with Maddie is complicated by the growing resentment towards the Japanese due to the war. Still Maddie and Lane decide to elope but their marital bliss is cut short by the attack on Pearl Harbor. As allegiances are put to the test, Maddie and Lane are in for one tough journey.
Some time back, I read 'The Edge of Lost' and enjoyed McMorris' style. For that reason I put 'Bridge of Scarlet Leaves' on my TBR and seeing as it has been there for a while, I picked it now. Maddie is a talented violinist. Julliard is her future or at least it was until she fell in love with Lane. Knowing that their families would not understand, they decide to elope anyways. Their wedded bliss, however, is punctuated by the attack on Pearl Harbor. What was a tense situation turns into a harsher one now that Maddie is married to the "enemy". As Lane and his family lose everything and are forced to relocate to an interment camp, Maddie must decide whether to follow her heart even if that brings into question her allegiance. This work is beautiful and moving. While it was a bit of a weak start, I love the way McMorris links all the storylines. Narrated by Maddie, TJ and Lane this work explores a dark side to US history. Dealing with loyalty, family, race and discrimination, this work takes the reader into the Japanese interment camps and unto the battlefield itself. The last part of the book nearly made me shed tears.
While there was a great deal of support for the interment of people with Japanes ancestry at the time, it sure became quite a lamentable historical event. President Frankln D. Roosevelt signed into law Order 9066 which gave the military power to forcibly relocate any and all persons of Japanese ancestry. It did not matter that a great number of this group were in fact US citizens, born in the US. It took as little as being 1/16 part Japanese to be placed in a interment camp. The government justified this action as a means of protecting the US against spies. In truth, this was an act based on war hysteria and plain old-fashioned racism. The interment camps were ruled unconstitutional by Ronald Reagan during his presidency. Survivors and heirs were entilted to receive monetary reparations. About 1.6 billion dollars were awarded and while that was necessary and overdue, the scars that remain can not be forgotten. Especially given current events that continue to discrimate on people based solely on ther race.
I have since learned that McMorris has a book to be released soon and I am looking forward for it.
Some time back, I read 'The Edge of Lost' and enjoyed McMorris' style. For that reason I put 'Bridge of Scarlet Leaves' on my TBR and seeing as it has been there for a while, I picked it now. Maddie is a talented violinist. Julliard is her future or at least it was until she fell in love with Lane. Knowing that their families would not understand, they decide to elope anyways. Their wedded bliss, however, is punctuated by the attack on Pearl Harbor. What was a tense situation turns into a harsher one now that Maddie is married to the "enemy". As Lane and his family lose everything and are forced to relocate to an interment camp, Maddie must decide whether to follow her heart even if that brings into question her allegiance. This work is beautiful and moving. While it was a bit of a weak start, I love the way McMorris links all the storylines. Narrated by Maddie, TJ and Lane this work explores a dark side to US history. Dealing with loyalty, family, race and discrimination, this work takes the reader into the Japanese interment camps and unto the battlefield itself. The last part of the book nearly made me shed tears.
While there was a great deal of support for the interment of people with Japanes ancestry at the time, it sure became quite a lamentable historical event. President Frankln D. Roosevelt signed into law Order 9066 which gave the military power to forcibly relocate any and all persons of Japanese ancestry. It did not matter that a great number of this group were in fact US citizens, born in the US. It took as little as being 1/16 part Japanese to be placed in a interment camp. The government justified this action as a means of protecting the US against spies. In truth, this was an act based on war hysteria and plain old-fashioned racism. The interment camps were ruled unconstitutional by Ronald Reagan during his presidency. Survivors and heirs were entilted to receive monetary reparations. About 1.6 billion dollars were awarded and while that was necessary and overdue, the scars that remain can not be forgotten. Especially given current events that continue to discrimate on people based solely on ther race.
I have since learned that McMorris has a book to be released soon and I am looking forward for it.
October 20, 2011
Wow, where do I start? This book was wonderful! It tells a tale of two people who come from different races and fall in love. After they elope, something horrible happens. The bombing of Pearl Harbor and both of their lives are never the same. Bridge of Scarlet Leaves hooked me from page one and never let me go! This book made me laugh, giggle and cry. I loved Kristina's first book, Letters From Home, but, dare I say, I LOVED this one more. It tugs at your heart strings and never lets go. I think everyone should read this book! It is THAT good! Well done Kristina. Once again you have made me fall in love with the characters. This is part of American History that I want to learn more about. As an added bonus Kristina even includes Asian-Fusion Recipes in the back of the book! A five star read for me all the way!
June 15, 2013
I should have stopped early on when I first laughed at the cheesy descriptions of affection between the two main characters. I knew then that the book was probably not going to be that appealing, but it was an easy enough read so I continued on. I realize I'm one of the few here to dislike the book and am truly surprised so many give it five stars, but I reserve five stars for truly incredible books, and this falls way short. For one, the characters as well as the relationships between them are never really developed. The father of two of the characters is in some sort of nursing home at the beginning of the book and though it is explained how he ended up there, you never know what is actually wrong with him! There were several other things that bothered me, but in the end, if I were going to recommend a novel that deals with how Japanese-Americans were treated during WWII, read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. That's an excellent novel.
March 5, 2012
In November of 1941, in Los Angeles, California, violinist Maggie Kern is hiding something from her brother, TJ. She is in love with his best friend, Lane, who happens to be Japanese. TJ has always been protective of his little sister, especially since an accident that took their mother’s life and their father’s mental health, and he wouldn’t approve of the relationship.
In order to force their families to accept their love for each other, Maggie and Lane elope, but their days of wedded bliss are numbered when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. Suddenly, a difficult romance becomes impossible as Japanese families are herded like cattle and sent to interment camps. Maggie faces impossible choices and heartbreak as her family and the world go to war.
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves taught me so much about a terrible place of the American past–the devastation of Japanese-American citizens during the Second World War. Stories from history enlivened through McMorris’s characters made them compelling and emotional. Her attention to detail and research are evident on every page but never weigh down the narrative, and just as McMorris did with her first novel, she connects the readers so tightly to her characters that one feels their heartaches and joys, troubles and triumphs.
There is a beautiful thread running through the novel that illuminates how Maggie’s talent for the violin ebbs and flows with the development of her emotional state. The violin becomes a symbol for a girl who develops into a woman, fully in possession of her power and her passion.
I finished the book in three days, but it will live in my heart much longer. I find myself thinking of the characters and the story often, and feel privileged to have been able to read it. If you enjoy bittersweet stories of love, war, and sacrifice, you will love Bridge of Scarlet Leaves.
In order to force their families to accept their love for each other, Maggie and Lane elope, but their days of wedded bliss are numbered when Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. Suddenly, a difficult romance becomes impossible as Japanese families are herded like cattle and sent to interment camps. Maggie faces impossible choices and heartbreak as her family and the world go to war.
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves taught me so much about a terrible place of the American past–the devastation of Japanese-American citizens during the Second World War. Stories from history enlivened through McMorris’s characters made them compelling and emotional. Her attention to detail and research are evident on every page but never weigh down the narrative, and just as McMorris did with her first novel, she connects the readers so tightly to her characters that one feels their heartaches and joys, troubles and triumphs.
There is a beautiful thread running through the novel that illuminates how Maggie’s talent for the violin ebbs and flows with the development of her emotional state. The violin becomes a symbol for a girl who develops into a woman, fully in possession of her power and her passion.
I finished the book in three days, but it will live in my heart much longer. I find myself thinking of the characters and the story often, and feel privileged to have been able to read it. If you enjoy bittersweet stories of love, war, and sacrifice, you will love Bridge of Scarlet Leaves.
November 9, 2013
WWII, Japanese internment, music, and love.
Maddie Kern has it all at the beginning of this novel, a best friend, a great job, and her future at Juilliard secured for her by a benefactress for violin. She also has Lane, her brother's best friend, who she has fallen in love with. Her brother, TJ, comes back from USC, and finds out about their hidden affair, and then Pearl Harbor happens...
Before Maddie knows what to do, her life is torn away from her and her family. Lane and his family get shipped away, and TJ enlists. In the beginning of this one, the writing was a little mediocre, and it didn't really feel legitimate for the time in history it was supposed to take place in. Once I reached the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. The author alternates narrators between chapters, so that we hear the different voices of Maddie, TJ, and Lane. I love when authors use this technique. Everything that these individuals go through caused my heart to implode with empathy and disbelief. My throat had a lump in it the entire last third. Some heartbreaking moments, and some moments of pure bliss.
The author did a brilliant job of weaving multiple themes, and storylines into this novel, including the sentiment towards Japanese Americans during the war, POW camps, Japanese treatment of American POWs, music, family, Japanese culture, internment camps... Bravo!
Maddie Kern has it all at the beginning of this novel, a best friend, a great job, and her future at Juilliard secured for her by a benefactress for violin. She also has Lane, her brother's best friend, who she has fallen in love with. Her brother, TJ, comes back from USC, and finds out about their hidden affair, and then Pearl Harbor happens...
Before Maddie knows what to do, her life is torn away from her and her family. Lane and his family get shipped away, and TJ enlists. In the beginning of this one, the writing was a little mediocre, and it didn't really feel legitimate for the time in history it was supposed to take place in. Once I reached the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. The author alternates narrators between chapters, so that we hear the different voices of Maddie, TJ, and Lane. I love when authors use this technique. Everything that these individuals go through caused my heart to implode with empathy and disbelief. My throat had a lump in it the entire last third. Some heartbreaking moments, and some moments of pure bliss.
The author did a brilliant job of weaving multiple themes, and storylines into this novel, including the sentiment towards Japanese Americans during the war, POW camps, Japanese treatment of American POWs, music, family, Japanese culture, internment camps... Bravo!
February 11, 2013
I tried so hard to get into this novel, but it was so cheesy. I pushed myself to get through the first 50 pages (in which I would finally give up after the 50 Page Rule).
The writing read like a young adult novel in that it was so basic and corny, not to mention it went into so much detail over nothing scenes. The high school relationship failed, the angry brother, the love-struck sister with the mischievousness best friend, and the loner Japanese friend brought nothing to the table for me.
I would much rather read the Asian historical fiction by Lisa See.
The writing read like a young adult novel in that it was so basic and corny, not to mention it went into so much detail over nothing scenes. The high school relationship failed, the angry brother, the love-struck sister with the mischievousness best friend, and the loner Japanese friend brought nothing to the table for me.
I would much rather read the Asian historical fiction by Lisa See.
March 28, 2012
Characters Worth Caring About:
It would’ve been easy for any author to lose sight of the importance of characters when dealing with a setting so monumental as World War II, and plot elements such as interracial relationships and the internment of Japanese-Americans during the war. These are topics that would’ve consumed the focus of many a fine writer. The temptation would be to use a broad brush, to put the readers’ wide-lens focus on the issues, and the result would often be to have wooden characters enacting formulaic plotting to demonstrate the horrors/injustices/tragedy of war and its repercussions.
I’m happy to report that Kristina McMorris, in Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, her sophomore effort as a novelist, showed herself better than many a fine writer. McMorris has a deft touch when it comes to WWII, and the depth of her research and her compassion for the topic show through in her every description of the home front, war zones, and even intense combat action sequences. She knows her stuff, and it shows. But in Bridge her historical acumen serves as shading and nuance for what is genuinely human story, played out by well-developed characters.
At its core, Bridge is a love story. It’s the story of Maddie—a young Caucasian woman—and Lane—the son of immigrant Japanese-Americans—and what they are willing to sacrifice, not only for their love for one another, but for their love of their families, their country, and for honor. McMorris not only provides a tight focus on her believable characters, she makes Lane’s and Maddie’s love for one another believable by giving each of them depth of experience—their own set of skills, achievement, strengths and weaknesses.
All too often in stories we are asked to believe in a deep romantic attraction and its resulting bond without any reason given for us to do so. Often the love interest has few or no qualities we can imagine would warrant the main character’s interest or longing. When obstacles to romance occur, often they are based on flimsy misunderstandings, or one character’s sudden bout of shallowness or newly obtuse viewpoint.
None of this occurs with Lane and Maddie. Each of them is capable. Each of them shows remarkable resilience, loyalty, and dedication—not only to one another, but to big picture issues, like family and community. We come to know and respect each of them, and therefore not only applaud their love but root for it. We can see for ourselves why they would love each other so, and why they would sacrifice as they each do throughout the tale.
Without the believability of Lane’s and Maddie’s essential relationship, as well as the conflicts and story elements inspired by it and surrounding it, the story becomes nothing more than the recitation of a sequence of historical events. McMorris has enlightened our understanding of a monumental and turbulent period of our history with this engaging and moving tale.
It would’ve been easy for any author to lose sight of the importance of characters when dealing with a setting so monumental as World War II, and plot elements such as interracial relationships and the internment of Japanese-Americans during the war. These are topics that would’ve consumed the focus of many a fine writer. The temptation would be to use a broad brush, to put the readers’ wide-lens focus on the issues, and the result would often be to have wooden characters enacting formulaic plotting to demonstrate the horrors/injustices/tragedy of war and its repercussions.
I’m happy to report that Kristina McMorris, in Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, her sophomore effort as a novelist, showed herself better than many a fine writer. McMorris has a deft touch when it comes to WWII, and the depth of her research and her compassion for the topic show through in her every description of the home front, war zones, and even intense combat action sequences. She knows her stuff, and it shows. But in Bridge her historical acumen serves as shading and nuance for what is genuinely human story, played out by well-developed characters.
At its core, Bridge is a love story. It’s the story of Maddie—a young Caucasian woman—and Lane—the son of immigrant Japanese-Americans—and what they are willing to sacrifice, not only for their love for one another, but for their love of their families, their country, and for honor. McMorris not only provides a tight focus on her believable characters, she makes Lane’s and Maddie’s love for one another believable by giving each of them depth of experience—their own set of skills, achievement, strengths and weaknesses.
All too often in stories we are asked to believe in a deep romantic attraction and its resulting bond without any reason given for us to do so. Often the love interest has few or no qualities we can imagine would warrant the main character’s interest or longing. When obstacles to romance occur, often they are based on flimsy misunderstandings, or one character’s sudden bout of shallowness or newly obtuse viewpoint.
None of this occurs with Lane and Maddie. Each of them is capable. Each of them shows remarkable resilience, loyalty, and dedication—not only to one another, but to big picture issues, like family and community. We come to know and respect each of them, and therefore not only applaud their love but root for it. We can see for ourselves why they would love each other so, and why they would sacrifice as they each do throughout the tale.
Without the believability of Lane’s and Maddie’s essential relationship, as well as the conflicts and story elements inspired by it and surrounding it, the story becomes nothing more than the recitation of a sequence of historical events. McMorris has enlightened our understanding of a monumental and turbulent period of our history with this engaging and moving tale.
November 5, 2011
**Review Copy Provided By Author**
I have to admit that I finished this book up over the weekend, but it took me a couple of days to write the review because I wanted to think though some of my feelings. After Letters From Home, I wasn't sure if Kristina could follow up with an equally powerful second book, so I was surprised when Bridge of Scarlet Leaves not only equalled by exceeded Letters from Home.
In a similar fashion to the writing style in Letters from Home, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves tells multiple stories with a focal point on one moment in history, specifically, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the reaction to what happened to those US citizens of Japanese descent following the attack. We meet Maddie, a violinist who is in love with Lane Morimoto; her brother TJ; Lane and his family and a variety of other individuals. As a reader, I love when I can feel what the characters are going through, and I did here. Rarely do I cry at the end of books, but I was def. teary-eyed when I read the last page.
All I can say is that Kristina had better hurry up and write some more books for me to read ;)
I have to admit that I finished this book up over the weekend, but it took me a couple of days to write the review because I wanted to think though some of my feelings. After Letters From Home, I wasn't sure if Kristina could follow up with an equally powerful second book, so I was surprised when Bridge of Scarlet Leaves not only equalled by exceeded Letters from Home.
In a similar fashion to the writing style in Letters from Home, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves tells multiple stories with a focal point on one moment in history, specifically, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the reaction to what happened to those US citizens of Japanese descent following the attack. We meet Maddie, a violinist who is in love with Lane Morimoto; her brother TJ; Lane and his family and a variety of other individuals. As a reader, I love when I can feel what the characters are going through, and I did here. Rarely do I cry at the end of books, but I was def. teary-eyed when I read the last page.
All I can say is that Kristina had better hurry up and write some more books for me to read ;)
March 19, 2012
This author has the uncanny knack of writing stories that are very easy to read and combine the elements of history and a romance with a profound sense of the era. The Japanese and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the mistrust and the prejudice that came from it are all brilliantly related here. The characters of Maddie and Lane are wonderful. This author puts one solidly back in this time period with a depth of feeling and emotion that is impressive. Anyone who liked her last book, Letters from Home, will love this one as well.
April 16, 2012
Fantastic! I love a book that can teach me something about history while maintaining an incredible story line.
The setting in the beginning of the book takes place in California just before the bombing of Pearl Harbor which then of course was the start of WWII. The story revolves around three main characters, Maddie Kern, her brother TJ Kern and TJ's best friend Lane Moritomo who is the son of Japanese immigrants.
Lane and Maddie fall in love but hide it from TJ. Due to Lane's Japanese heritage his parents plan to bring a bride from Japan to California for him to marry. Lane doesn't agree with all that goes along with his parent's customs so he refuses and convinces Maddie to elope with him. Nobody knows of their arrangement because interracial marriage is not only frowned upon pre-WWII, it's illegal in 30 states.
As they are having their quick weekend honeymoon in Seattle, Pearl Harbor is attacked. Lane quickly realizes whites are blaming him for Japan's bombing the United States. Maddie and Lane make haste back to California where TJ discovers what they did and demands they divorce.
When Lane returns home he finds the FBI in his house arresting his father simply because he works at a bank in California that is owned by the Japanese. Lane, his mother and sister are forced to one of the many internment camps made for those with as little as 1/16 Japanese heritage. Lane files for divorce simply to save Maddie from the embarrassment and criticism he's sure she'll suffer for being married to a Japanese man.
Maddie refuses to sign the papers and tracks Lane down to his internment camp and resides with him and his family. TJ on the other hand, he's had enough, between his sister marrying his best friend and the anger he feels for that betrayal, he joins the Army and is shipped off to the Pacific.
Lane is embarrassed of his and his families conditions, anger at the country which he loves so much, angry that Maddie is willing to sacrifice so much for him, it hurts his pride. He too joins the military for intelligence, to put his language to good use for his country. To prove himself...to find himself.
The book continues on as Maddie, Lane’s mother and sister move on to another location. Lane is also shipped to the Pacific. What effect will the war have on these three characters? Read to find out! Amazing, wonderful book.
This book is easily five stars for me. As I mentioned, a book that teaches me so much with such a fantastic story is a winner. The book was well researched and the fact that the author is the daughter of a white American mother and Japanese immigrant father gives her a lot of credit too. I have not read her other book Letters From Home, but look forward to doing so. If you liked, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, I can nearly guarantee that you will like this book too.
The setting in the beginning of the book takes place in California just before the bombing of Pearl Harbor which then of course was the start of WWII. The story revolves around three main characters, Maddie Kern, her brother TJ Kern and TJ's best friend Lane Moritomo who is the son of Japanese immigrants.
Lane and Maddie fall in love but hide it from TJ. Due to Lane's Japanese heritage his parents plan to bring a bride from Japan to California for him to marry. Lane doesn't agree with all that goes along with his parent's customs so he refuses and convinces Maddie to elope with him. Nobody knows of their arrangement because interracial marriage is not only frowned upon pre-WWII, it's illegal in 30 states.
As they are having their quick weekend honeymoon in Seattle, Pearl Harbor is attacked. Lane quickly realizes whites are blaming him for Japan's bombing the United States. Maddie and Lane make haste back to California where TJ discovers what they did and demands they divorce.
When Lane returns home he finds the FBI in his house arresting his father simply because he works at a bank in California that is owned by the Japanese. Lane, his mother and sister are forced to one of the many internment camps made for those with as little as 1/16 Japanese heritage. Lane files for divorce simply to save Maddie from the embarrassment and criticism he's sure she'll suffer for being married to a Japanese man.
Maddie refuses to sign the papers and tracks Lane down to his internment camp and resides with him and his family. TJ on the other hand, he's had enough, between his sister marrying his best friend and the anger he feels for that betrayal, he joins the Army and is shipped off to the Pacific.
Lane is embarrassed of his and his families conditions, anger at the country which he loves so much, angry that Maddie is willing to sacrifice so much for him, it hurts his pride. He too joins the military for intelligence, to put his language to good use for his country. To prove himself...to find himself.
The book continues on as Maddie, Lane’s mother and sister move on to another location. Lane is also shipped to the Pacific. What effect will the war have on these three characters? Read to find out! Amazing, wonderful book.
This book is easily five stars for me. As I mentioned, a book that teaches me so much with such a fantastic story is a winner. The book was well researched and the fact that the author is the daughter of a white American mother and Japanese immigrant father gives her a lot of credit too. I have not read her other book Letters From Home, but look forward to doing so. If you liked, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, I can nearly guarantee that you will like this book too.
February 20, 2012
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves is a story with a wonderful blend of love, loss, forgiveness and self-realization. It became much more than a war love story. The bombing of Pearl Harbor signalled the beginning of a war that would have a significant effect on the relationship of Maddie Kern, an American and Lane Moritomo, a Japanese-American. Their struggles are not just against their society, their country but from within as well. Family, tradition and race are barriers that they will have to face.
The best thing about this story was seeing the characters transform and some of the most drastic changes occurred in Kumiko, Lane's mother. She really came to life as the sorrows she carried were slowly expressed and revealed, first in her paintings and then into words. Her relationship with Maddie became a warm and close one. Maddie was a constant presence throughout the story and she represented a connection between American and Japanese, accepting both worlds. In her own way she displayed bravery and a quiet strength.
Initially I didn't believe in Lane and Maddie's love but as the story progressed I could see their love developing. Her actions spoke for themselves and most telling is when she moves to be with Lane at the relocation camp. I appreciated the insight of life entrapped in a camp from the perspective of an American woman.
The characters really grew on me as the story progressed and even though their journeys were parallel to one another, they were still different which kept my interest. Sometimes I found the short chapters -events to be abrupt and wanted them to follow through more where I could get a deeper grasp of them. Family and honor were themes that came up quite a bit and played a big factor in Lane's journey of self-realization. For Lane, the war was his chance to prove himself; his worth to himself and his patriotism to a country that viewed his ancestry as the enemy. Maddie's love helped him in so many ways and this always led him back to her. T.J.'s journey was one of acceptance and forgiveness. Maddie is all the family he has and his protectiveness shows. He has to learn that moving on and finding peace means being able to let go of the past. Whereas music is what connects Maddie to her reality, it is baseball that does this for T.J. It brought normalcy and for T.J. it gave him purpose during a time of hopelessness.
The characters are all resilient spirits and their journeys were at times heartbreaking, inspiring and triumphant. When the story ended I was thinking that with their personal revelations many of the characters' stories were just beginning. The message I took to heart in this story was that love is universal and love can heal.
I was the lucky recipient of an ARC copy provided for my honest thoughts.
The best thing about this story was seeing the characters transform and some of the most drastic changes occurred in Kumiko, Lane's mother. She really came to life as the sorrows she carried were slowly expressed and revealed, first in her paintings and then into words. Her relationship with Maddie became a warm and close one. Maddie was a constant presence throughout the story and she represented a connection between American and Japanese, accepting both worlds. In her own way she displayed bravery and a quiet strength.
Initially I didn't believe in Lane and Maddie's love but as the story progressed I could see their love developing. Her actions spoke for themselves and most telling is when she moves to be with Lane at the relocation camp. I appreciated the insight of life entrapped in a camp from the perspective of an American woman.
The characters really grew on me as the story progressed and even though their journeys were parallel to one another, they were still different which kept my interest. Sometimes I found the short chapters -events to be abrupt and wanted them to follow through more where I could get a deeper grasp of them. Family and honor were themes that came up quite a bit and played a big factor in Lane's journey of self-realization. For Lane, the war was his chance to prove himself; his worth to himself and his patriotism to a country that viewed his ancestry as the enemy. Maddie's love helped him in so many ways and this always led him back to her. T.J.'s journey was one of acceptance and forgiveness. Maddie is all the family he has and his protectiveness shows. He has to learn that moving on and finding peace means being able to let go of the past. Whereas music is what connects Maddie to her reality, it is baseball that does this for T.J. It brought normalcy and for T.J. it gave him purpose during a time of hopelessness.
The characters are all resilient spirits and their journeys were at times heartbreaking, inspiring and triumphant. When the story ended I was thinking that with their personal revelations many of the characters' stories were just beginning. The message I took to heart in this story was that love is universal and love can heal.
I was the lucky recipient of an ARC copy provided for my honest thoughts.
April 1, 2021
My mom told me my aunt was born in an internment camp in California. Her parents married at the camp, without much sugar they had Jell-o for their wedding cake. Her father was in the Armyand died in battle, she never met him, and her mother never remarried.
So is the life Maddie found herself in after marrying a Japanese American (Lane), her brother off fighting the war, Lane's family was all she had. A talented violinist set to audition for Julliard, Maddie decided she would make it to where she could also live in the camp. But living in the camp was not what Maddie had anticipated, Lane signed up to do intelligence with the Army, leaving Maddie with his sister and very non-communicative mother. But life showed Maddie that maybe their family was not so different than hers. With trials and tribulations Maddie and Lane's family found stability in each other. With Lane away and Maddie's brother fighting to survive unspeakable circumstances, how could any form of normal ever come back.
I enjoyed this story very much, even with the different locations, it added so much depth to the story. 4.5 stars
So is the life Maddie found herself in after marrying a Japanese American (Lane), her brother off fighting the war, Lane's family was all she had. A talented violinist set to audition for Julliard, Maddie decided she would make it to where she could also live in the camp. But living in the camp was not what Maddie had anticipated, Lane signed up to do intelligence with the Army, leaving Maddie with his sister and very non-communicative mother. But life showed Maddie that maybe their family was not so different than hers. With trials and tribulations Maddie and Lane's family found stability in each other. With Lane away and Maddie's brother fighting to survive unspeakable circumstances, how could any form of normal ever come back.
I enjoyed this story very much, even with the different locations, it added so much depth to the story. 4.5 stars
January 1, 2016
A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT.
“Rarely did she deviate from tracks laid in reason.” (p. 93)
“Yet the misfortune had become a meaningless hiccup in the grand scheme.” (p. 94)
Rife with annoying, nonsensical, fortune-cookie, inanities—like those quoted above and below; the writing of Kristina McMorris’s novel, The Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, was just too painfully amateurish to read any more.
Abandoned after 24%
Recommendation: Do not waste your reading time.
“When it came to risks, the thinnest of lines separated a legend and a fool.” (p. 30)
“No matter how dire the situation, Maddie knew better than to entrap herself in the house of a person who took pride in enumerating worst-case scenarios.” (p. 94)
(And, just for one, particular, goodreads friend:)
“Her bronze eyes gave him the once-over.” (p. 62)
Kensington. Kindle Edition, 420 pages
“Rarely did she deviate from tracks laid in reason.” (p. 93)
“Yet the misfortune had become a meaningless hiccup in the grand scheme.” (p. 94)
Rife with annoying, nonsensical, fortune-cookie, inanities—like those quoted above and below; the writing of Kristina McMorris’s novel, The Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, was just too painfully amateurish to read any more.
Abandoned after 24%
Recommendation: Do not waste your reading time.
“When it came to risks, the thinnest of lines separated a legend and a fool.” (p. 30)
“No matter how dire the situation, Maddie knew better than to entrap herself in the house of a person who took pride in enumerating worst-case scenarios.” (p. 94)
(And, just for one, particular, goodreads friend:)
“Her bronze eyes gave him the once-over.” (p. 62)
Kensington. Kindle Edition, 420 pages
September 15, 2016
I had never read anything by Kristina McMorris before, so when I saw this book at my local Dollar Store and decided to buy it strictly because it was set during WWII, I had no expectations. After finishing the book, and crying my eyes out, I can say now that McMorris is a true talent. Though Bridge over Scarlet Leaves isn't a literary classic, I believe it should be, because McMorris was able to craft a story told time and again, but make it new, refreshing, happy, and heartbreaking. I went in reading this, expecting something totally different than what the story was actually comprised of, but I was exceptionally grateful that I was proved wrong. I thought it was just going to be another romance story, if I’m being honest, but there were so many intricate little details, plots, and emotions, that I can say this book is now one of my favorites I have ever read.
Just a quick disclaimer: I haven’t put in any spoilers, so while this review doesn’t cover the entire basis of the story, nothing integral to the plot will be revealed, either. Also, if you're looking for my actual thoughts on the story, scroll down a bit, because the next few paragraphs are just rehashing the plot points.
The story starts in California, 1941, a few months before the events at Pearl Harbor. It centers on Maddie, a 17 year old girl who’s in love with Lane, her brother TJ’s best friend, a Japanese American. Maddie’s best friend, Jo, knows about the romance, but they’ve all decided to keep it a secret from TJ, who tends to be overprotective and, at points, overbearing. TJ has his own demons to deal with, namely the tragedy his family has suffered, and the impending loss of his scholarship from college, where he’s trying to make it into the big leagues as a pitcher. Above all of this though, he’s trying to protect his sister, and doesn’t realize that he’s actually alienating her away. He also refuses to visit his father, and that sits heavily on his conscious, though he tries to forget about it.
After the events at Pearl Harbor, TJ joins the army, wanting to get away from life at home, and Lane and his family are forced to move to an internment camp. His father, Nobu, has been taken into custody, and he tells Lane that Lane is now responsible for his family, which includes his mother, Kumiko, and his little sister, Emma. After the departure, Maddie learns of an opportunity to go volunteer at the internment camps, and eventually moves into Manzanar, the camp Lane’s family is staying at, effectively ending her career she could have had at Juilliard. Though Emma loves Maddie like a sister, Kumiko is distant and cold, and Maddie tries her hardest to win the respect from Lane’s mother.
Months pass, and Lane signs up for the army, to interpret Japanese maps, letters, and codes for the Allies. Certain circumstances back at Manzanar force Maddie, Emma, and Kumiko to move yet again, this time to a farm, where they live for the rest of the war. TJ, on the other hand, after his B-17 bomber falls in the ocean, becomes a POW at a Japanese camp set up on an island in the Philippines. During his time before, he had struck up a relationship with Jo, and it’s thoughts of her that keep him going as a POW.
When Lane learns of an attempt towards the end of the war to free the POWs and take back control of the island, he jumps at the chance to help save TJ, and bring them both home. On the island, both men come to terms with what it means to live, survive, and become an enemy, not to another country, but to themselves.
The war ends, and everyone tries to return to life as normal. Japanese Americans can move back to their homes, though most of them are destroyed, and try to assimilate back in a world that’s not exactly too keen on having them there. They try to make sense of war, why things happen, and each character grows and matures, and see’s that life has a funny way of teaching you lessons. Everyone must accept what has happened in each of their lives, and they must move on from the past, so they can live for the future.
As I’ve said previously, I thought that this was just going to be another romance novel, and even though I don’t usually like romance novels, I picked this up because it was set in WWII, my favorite time period. I was so, so wrong. This book is everything and more. It has romance, yes, but it has love, both familial and romantic, acceptance, life lessons, family, tragedy, and heartbreak, and all those great things that make up life. I was blown away by just how much McMorris was able to fit in this book (though it is over 400 pages long) and yet, it wasn’t a long read at all.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this novel though was the characterization of everyone, especially Maddie and Jo. Maddie is the typical 1940’s girl. She wears her hair in waves, wears nice dresses and stockings and heels. Her best friend Jo, on the other hand, wears no makeup, wears hand me down clothes from her brothers, and almost always has a baseball cap on. She’s sarcastic and hilarious, and that was really refreshing, because girls aren’t cookie cutters. They’re individuals, and you really get a sense of that with these characters.
The dialogue was also great, too, because McMorris uses slang terms and speech patterns from the 1940’s, so you could really get a feel for the time period. One of my biggest pet peeves is a novel set in a certain time period, with today’s style of conversation.
The best thing about this novel, though, was the use of symbolism and foreshadowing. At least for me, it was weaved so effortlessly into the story, that when something happened, I would think to myself, oh, geez, that’s why that balloon was there, that’s what a swallow bird means. It would make me think back to previous events in the book, instead of looking forward, and I loved that, because it really connected the entire story, brought everything together. McMorris has a wonderful way of writing that shows that every single thing, from a lost balloon, to a picture of Bach, means something to the story, and everything ties together, although you may not see it at first.
McMorris is an extraordinary writer, who at the same time, can rip your heart out and make you smile with the sentences she crafts together. I loved this novel. Definitely don’t pass this up.
Just a quick disclaimer: I haven’t put in any spoilers, so while this review doesn’t cover the entire basis of the story, nothing integral to the plot will be revealed, either. Also, if you're looking for my actual thoughts on the story, scroll down a bit, because the next few paragraphs are just rehashing the plot points.
The story starts in California, 1941, a few months before the events at Pearl Harbor. It centers on Maddie, a 17 year old girl who’s in love with Lane, her brother TJ’s best friend, a Japanese American. Maddie’s best friend, Jo, knows about the romance, but they’ve all decided to keep it a secret from TJ, who tends to be overprotective and, at points, overbearing. TJ has his own demons to deal with, namely the tragedy his family has suffered, and the impending loss of his scholarship from college, where he’s trying to make it into the big leagues as a pitcher. Above all of this though, he’s trying to protect his sister, and doesn’t realize that he’s actually alienating her away. He also refuses to visit his father, and that sits heavily on his conscious, though he tries to forget about it.
After the events at Pearl Harbor, TJ joins the army, wanting to get away from life at home, and Lane and his family are forced to move to an internment camp. His father, Nobu, has been taken into custody, and he tells Lane that Lane is now responsible for his family, which includes his mother, Kumiko, and his little sister, Emma. After the departure, Maddie learns of an opportunity to go volunteer at the internment camps, and eventually moves into Manzanar, the camp Lane’s family is staying at, effectively ending her career she could have had at Juilliard. Though Emma loves Maddie like a sister, Kumiko is distant and cold, and Maddie tries her hardest to win the respect from Lane’s mother.
Months pass, and Lane signs up for the army, to interpret Japanese maps, letters, and codes for the Allies. Certain circumstances back at Manzanar force Maddie, Emma, and Kumiko to move yet again, this time to a farm, where they live for the rest of the war. TJ, on the other hand, after his B-17 bomber falls in the ocean, becomes a POW at a Japanese camp set up on an island in the Philippines. During his time before, he had struck up a relationship with Jo, and it’s thoughts of her that keep him going as a POW.
When Lane learns of an attempt towards the end of the war to free the POWs and take back control of the island, he jumps at the chance to help save TJ, and bring them both home. On the island, both men come to terms with what it means to live, survive, and become an enemy, not to another country, but to themselves.
The war ends, and everyone tries to return to life as normal. Japanese Americans can move back to their homes, though most of them are destroyed, and try to assimilate back in a world that’s not exactly too keen on having them there. They try to make sense of war, why things happen, and each character grows and matures, and see’s that life has a funny way of teaching you lessons. Everyone must accept what has happened in each of their lives, and they must move on from the past, so they can live for the future.
As I’ve said previously, I thought that this was just going to be another romance novel, and even though I don’t usually like romance novels, I picked this up because it was set in WWII, my favorite time period. I was so, so wrong. This book is everything and more. It has romance, yes, but it has love, both familial and romantic, acceptance, life lessons, family, tragedy, and heartbreak, and all those great things that make up life. I was blown away by just how much McMorris was able to fit in this book (though it is over 400 pages long) and yet, it wasn’t a long read at all.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this novel though was the characterization of everyone, especially Maddie and Jo. Maddie is the typical 1940’s girl. She wears her hair in waves, wears nice dresses and stockings and heels. Her best friend Jo, on the other hand, wears no makeup, wears hand me down clothes from her brothers, and almost always has a baseball cap on. She’s sarcastic and hilarious, and that was really refreshing, because girls aren’t cookie cutters. They’re individuals, and you really get a sense of that with these characters.
The dialogue was also great, too, because McMorris uses slang terms and speech patterns from the 1940’s, so you could really get a feel for the time period. One of my biggest pet peeves is a novel set in a certain time period, with today’s style of conversation.
The best thing about this novel, though, was the use of symbolism and foreshadowing. At least for me, it was weaved so effortlessly into the story, that when something happened, I would think to myself, oh, geez, that’s why that balloon was there, that’s what a swallow bird means. It would make me think back to previous events in the book, instead of looking forward, and I loved that, because it really connected the entire story, brought everything together. McMorris has a wonderful way of writing that shows that every single thing, from a lost balloon, to a picture of Bach, means something to the story, and everything ties together, although you may not see it at first.
McMorris is an extraordinary writer, who at the same time, can rip your heart out and make you smile with the sentences she crafts together. I loved this novel. Definitely don’t pass this up.
February 17, 2020
Bridge of Scarlett Leaves
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel is beautifully written and gives a unique view of a pair of young men, who consider themselves as brothers.
👨
When Pearl Harbor is hit and war is declared they both soon discover the world around them sees things very differently. One young man TJ, is Caucasian and his best friend Lane is Japanese-American. Lane is also in a secret relationship with TJ’s sister Maddie.
👨
During the war even though they are on the same side they are treated differently. A story unfolds as Lanes family ends up in an evacuee camp, and TJ’s family is struggling with family obligations. What does Maddie do? She is torn between the love of her brother and Lane.
👨
After years of estrangement we hope the friends can find their way back to each other... that is if they survive the war. I love how the author gives you the background of all the family members and how they each endure their own struggles.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel is beautifully written and gives a unique view of a pair of young men, who consider themselves as brothers.
👨
When Pearl Harbor is hit and war is declared they both soon discover the world around them sees things very differently. One young man TJ, is Caucasian and his best friend Lane is Japanese-American. Lane is also in a secret relationship with TJ’s sister Maddie.
👨
During the war even though they are on the same side they are treated differently. A story unfolds as Lanes family ends up in an evacuee camp, and TJ’s family is struggling with family obligations. What does Maddie do? She is torn between the love of her brother and Lane.
👨
After years of estrangement we hope the friends can find their way back to each other... that is if they survive the war. I love how the author gives you the background of all the family members and how they each endure their own struggles.
June 23, 2012
❖/June 22, 2012:
I-i-iii I'm in a glass case of emotion!
SIMPLY MESMERIZING.
Let's scratch the synopsis part. Please just look up the synopsis yourself before reading this review. *WARNING: YOU HAVE ENTERED THE ZONE OF A 14-YEAR-OLD FANGIRLING*
Ahhhhh~so the blurb says "Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost"....well, that TREMENDOUS COST is definitely a tremendous one (not going to spoiler).
Before I began reading Bridge of Scarlet Leaves , I didn't expect it to be soooooo emotional.
Yes, it is emotional, but the plot still advances in a decent pace! The development of the plot and character is at its finest. Truly. A VERY DEEP READ. Please brace yourself & have patience (from my several years of reading historical-fiction, patience is required to get to the "good part" of the plot).
Perhaps one of my favorite factors of this book is the dialogue. The conversational exchanges between the characters are really realistic. Different characters possess different ways of speaking and different dialects. I'm so glad that the dialogue shows personalities... that the characters don't talk the same way. Phew. Phew. Phew. You have all my respect, McMorris.
At first, I only caught the "sparks" of romance between Lane and Maddie... and as the plot advanced, I felt the intense "electricity". Their romance is more than just kisses and hugs. There are obstacles of acceptances, redemption, and all other deep themes (I'd love to name more, but the glass of emotion is still clogging my mind from thinking clearly).
...oh while I am speaking of the plot... the build-up is exactly what I needed. You have your small rising actions... BAM the agonizing climax.. then... the descending to the resolution of one hopeful ending. of inspiration.
Sounds easy to read?
Well, it's not. I have cried a total of 3 times. "Cried" as in having my eyes moistened... and tears leaking. My tears were silent, but my emotion had been violently shaken. MAJOR SPOILER (if you haven't read the book, please refrain from clicking open the spoiler tab): . Reading Bridge of Scarlet Leaves has been a heart-wrenching process; thank goodness for the ending to relieve some of the agonizing emotion.
I also really admire how McMorris offers many perspectives of the war. There are good Americans, bad Americans. Good Japanese, bad Japanese.
Oh, and the symbolism! I am a musician myself (a flautist...a not-very-good-one though), thus whenever feelings & life are referenced to music in the book, I nodded my head in agreement. Of course, there are more symbolism...
And here's one down:
There is one thing that I didn't find satisfying... the book lacks a bit in setting description. While actions & emotion are vivid, sometimes I feel lost with the setting (then again, it might just be me). For example, I thought a setting was in the morning... but it turned out to be night. Some setting description feels inconsistent :/ Setting description as in the surrounding & timing.
OVERALL, my high expectations are fulfilled. In fact, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves has gone beyond my expectations!
Mrs. McMorris:
Next stop: Letters From Home ^____^
***ONE MORE THING: SEEING HOW THE CHARACTERS DEVELOP SO PASSIONATELY IS PERHAPS THE BEST GAIN ***
Okay, I'm out now.
- - - - - - B E F O R E - R E A D I N G-:
❖/June 4, 2012:
Ah, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves has been on my to-read shelf ever since February 07, 2012! I am still dying to get my hands on it; I know I wouldn't have much luck in winning a copy from Goodreads... but thank goodness, after months of waiting, Brooklyn Public Library finally has copies! I've just checked the catalog minutes ago, which I've placed a hold right away!!! Now, I just need to wait for its arrival. AHHH!~ sheer excitement is filling my mood~
I haven't read any historical-fictions in a long time. I miss it!~
I-i-iii I'm in a glass case of emotion!
SIMPLY MESMERIZING.
Let's scratch the synopsis part. Please just look up the synopsis yourself before reading this review. *WARNING: YOU HAVE ENTERED THE ZONE OF A 14-YEAR-OLD FANGIRLING*
Ahhhhh~so the blurb says "Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost"....well, that TREMENDOUS COST is definitely a tremendous one (not going to spoiler).
Before I began reading Bridge of Scarlet Leaves , I didn't expect it to be soooooo emotional.
Yes, it is emotional, but the plot still advances in a decent pace! The development of the plot and character is at its finest. Truly. A VERY DEEP READ. Please brace yourself & have patience (from my several years of reading historical-fiction, patience is required to get to the "good part" of the plot).
Perhaps one of my favorite factors of this book is the dialogue. The conversational exchanges between the characters are really realistic. Different characters possess different ways of speaking and different dialects. I'm so glad that the dialogue shows personalities... that the characters don't talk the same way. Phew. Phew. Phew. You have all my respect, McMorris.
At first, I only caught the "sparks" of romance between Lane and Maddie... and as the plot advanced, I felt the intense "electricity". Their romance is more than just kisses and hugs. There are obstacles of acceptances, redemption, and all other deep themes (I'd love to name more, but the glass of emotion is still clogging my mind from thinking clearly).
...oh while I am speaking of the plot... the build-up is exactly what I needed. You have your small rising actions... BAM the agonizing climax.. then... the descending to the resolution of one hopeful ending. of inspiration.
Sounds easy to read?
Well, it's not. I have cried a total of 3 times. "Cried" as in having my eyes moistened... and tears leaking. My tears were silent, but my emotion had been violently shaken. MAJOR SPOILER (if you haven't read the book, please refrain from clicking open the spoiler tab): . Reading Bridge of Scarlet Leaves has been a heart-wrenching process; thank goodness for the ending to relieve some of the agonizing emotion.
I also really admire how McMorris offers many perspectives of the war. There are good Americans, bad Americans. Good Japanese, bad Japanese.
Oh, and the symbolism! I am a musician myself (a flautist...a not-very-good-one though), thus whenever feelings & life are referenced to music in the book, I nodded my head in agreement. Of course, there are more symbolism...
And here's one down:
There is one thing that I didn't find satisfying... the book lacks a bit in setting description. While actions & emotion are vivid, sometimes I feel lost with the setting (then again, it might just be me). For example, I thought a setting was in the morning... but it turned out to be night. Some setting description feels inconsistent :/ Setting description as in the surrounding & timing.
OVERALL, my high expectations are fulfilled. In fact, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves has gone beyond my expectations!
Mrs. McMorris:
Next stop: Letters From Home ^____^
***ONE MORE THING: SEEING HOW THE CHARACTERS DEVELOP SO PASSIONATELY IS PERHAPS THE BEST GAIN ***
Okay, I'm out now.
- - - - - - B E F O R E - R E A D I N G-:
❖/June 4, 2012:
Ah, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves has been on my to-read shelf ever since February 07, 2012! I am still dying to get my hands on it; I know I wouldn't have much luck in winning a copy from Goodreads... but thank goodness, after months of waiting, Brooklyn Public Library finally has copies! I've just checked the catalog minutes ago, which I've placed a hold right away!!! Now, I just need to wait for its arrival. AHHH!~ sheer excitement is filling my mood~
I haven't read any historical-fictions in a long time. I miss it!~
April 30, 2014
I found this story well-written and surprisingly, unpredictable. I was surprised because it was nothing like the many Japanese-internment-during-WWII stories I've read thus far and I've read quite a few. I feared it would be a regurgitated tale that I'd already read, but first of all, the combination of a Japanese man with a Caucasian woman was unique, as was the story of the heroine learning her husband's culture, the sideline of her brother dealing with his hatred issues, and the shocking twist about her husband in the end... Perhaps individually, the stories may not be considered unique, but combined in this book, they are.
Never a dull moment.
I had some trouble with the heroine, Maddie, at times. I felt like she was a woman way too eager to throw everything away for a man, though part of me also realized times were strife and options were few when this book starts, right before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. People acted rashly during this time, aware they didn't have long to follow their hearts and fulfill their desires. BUT I must confess I didn't feel she loved her husband as much as she continued to claim. Her reluctance to wear her wedding band, her fears of having a "half-breed" child kinda made me feel conflicted about her.
Is it brave or stupid that she gives up Julliard to follow her husband into a camp? If I felt it was really true love, I'd think it brave.
Lane...Lane is the bravest of all the characters. Lane is her husband and he risks and does so much for his family's honor, for his reputation, to gain his country's trust, to save Maddie's brother--a man I didn't feel warranted saving. I enjoyed his bits and this surprised me as I don't normally care for male characters as much.
I had some trouble with the brother. He's rough and unlikable and joins the service for less-than-stellar reasons. But his story is important. It shows what carrying around hatred and bitterness for a long time can do to a person. Through his eyes we see the brutalities committed against American POWs. And it's nice to watch him change as a person. Everything happens for a reason, hm...
So much to learn about in this novel: the treatment of Japanese on the west coast, internment camp life, POW life, how it was for a Japanese man in the American army, some Japanese customs and ways...
Despite the fact I didn't like the brother or even the heroine at times, I was very engrossed in this story and walk away from it more enlightened than I was before.
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
Never a dull moment.
I had some trouble with the heroine, Maddie, at times. I felt like she was a woman way too eager to throw everything away for a man, though part of me also realized times were strife and options were few when this book starts, right before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. People acted rashly during this time, aware they didn't have long to follow their hearts and fulfill their desires. BUT I must confess I didn't feel she loved her husband as much as she continued to claim. Her reluctance to wear her wedding band, her fears of having a "half-breed" child kinda made me feel conflicted about her.
Is it brave or stupid that she gives up Julliard to follow her husband into a camp? If I felt it was really true love, I'd think it brave.
Lane...Lane is the bravest of all the characters. Lane is her husband and he risks and does so much for his family's honor, for his reputation, to gain his country's trust, to save Maddie's brother--a man I didn't feel warranted saving. I enjoyed his bits and this surprised me as I don't normally care for male characters as much.
I had some trouble with the brother. He's rough and unlikable and joins the service for less-than-stellar reasons. But his story is important. It shows what carrying around hatred and bitterness for a long time can do to a person. Through his eyes we see the brutalities committed against American POWs. And it's nice to watch him change as a person. Everything happens for a reason, hm...
So much to learn about in this novel: the treatment of Japanese on the west coast, internment camp life, POW life, how it was for a Japanese man in the American army, some Japanese customs and ways...
Despite the fact I didn't like the brother or even the heroine at times, I was very engrossed in this story and walk away from it more enlightened than I was before.
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
April 2, 2012
From my blog.
Maddie Kern is a budding violinist with dreams of attending Julliard. Her brother, TJ, has his own dreams of playing baseball. At the opening of the novel, they are both still reeling from the loss of their mother in a car accident and the subsequent catatonic state of their father. TJ is very angry at his father as he feels he is to blame for the accident; however, Maddie continues to visit her dad in the nursing home, playing the violin for him with little to no reaction.
When she secretly marries her brother's best friend, Lane, the son of Japanese immigrants, life is changed forever. The morning after their wedding ceremony, Maddie and Lane wake to the news that Pearl Harbor has been bombed - and everyone of Japanese descent, including Lane and his family are now suspect. Forced to move into an internment camp, Lane, his mother, and his sister leave the American life they have grown accustomed to and begin a new life full of suspicion, fear, anger, and hate directed at them.
Maddie chooses to follow her husband, joining him and his family inside the camp. Maddie struggles to connect with her mother-in-law as Lane tries to cope with being ostracized from the country he was born into. He ends up joining the Army on the American side, willing to do anything to prove his allegiance to his country. TJ also steps up and joins the military, willing to risk his own life to serve and protect his country.
No words I can write could do adequate justice to the work of literary gold within the pages of Bridge of Scarlet Leaves. This book captivated me from page one and did not let go until the final word, some 400 pages later. McMorris exquisitely captures the raw emotions - the angst, the pain, and the love - of each character in such a way that truly mesmerized me. The story is told from multiple viewpoints (Maddie, TJ, Lane), but the story never gets confusing or jumbled. The reader can feel each of the emotions that the characters are feeling, the sorrow and the joy, during their journeys. I was transported into another time and place and became so immersed with these characters that I did not want to leave them! I recommend this book without any reservation. McMorris is phenomenal - don't miss her first book, Letters from Home!
Maddie Kern is a budding violinist with dreams of attending Julliard. Her brother, TJ, has his own dreams of playing baseball. At the opening of the novel, they are both still reeling from the loss of their mother in a car accident and the subsequent catatonic state of their father. TJ is very angry at his father as he feels he is to blame for the accident; however, Maddie continues to visit her dad in the nursing home, playing the violin for him with little to no reaction.
When she secretly marries her brother's best friend, Lane, the son of Japanese immigrants, life is changed forever. The morning after their wedding ceremony, Maddie and Lane wake to the news that Pearl Harbor has been bombed - and everyone of Japanese descent, including Lane and his family are now suspect. Forced to move into an internment camp, Lane, his mother, and his sister leave the American life they have grown accustomed to and begin a new life full of suspicion, fear, anger, and hate directed at them.
Maddie chooses to follow her husband, joining him and his family inside the camp. Maddie struggles to connect with her mother-in-law as Lane tries to cope with being ostracized from the country he was born into. He ends up joining the Army on the American side, willing to do anything to prove his allegiance to his country. TJ also steps up and joins the military, willing to risk his own life to serve and protect his country.
No words I can write could do adequate justice to the work of literary gold within the pages of Bridge of Scarlet Leaves. This book captivated me from page one and did not let go until the final word, some 400 pages later. McMorris exquisitely captures the raw emotions - the angst, the pain, and the love - of each character in such a way that truly mesmerized me. The story is told from multiple viewpoints (Maddie, TJ, Lane), but the story never gets confusing or jumbled. The reader can feel each of the emotions that the characters are feeling, the sorrow and the joy, during their journeys. I was transported into another time and place and became so immersed with these characters that I did not want to leave them! I recommend this book without any reservation. McMorris is phenomenal - don't miss her first book, Letters from Home!
December 18, 2011
As she did with Letters From Home, Kristina McMorris has once again written a story of passion, trials, friendship, family and beauty that will stay with the reader for a very long time to come.
Maddie Kern is a good girl. This nineteen-year-old has been through a lot of stress, losing her mother and having her father holed up in an institution because he simply refuses to speak to anyone - wrapped up in a past that he simply can’t escape from. Maddie’s biggest goal in life is to play her violin at the Julliard School, which she has auditioned for already, but this time she has her best chance of getting accepted.
Maddie is taken care of by her older brother, T.J., who is even more strict than her father was. T.J. loves tow things - baseball and his sister - and wants to protect Maddie from the world. But what he doesn’t know is his best friend that he calls Tomo has secretly been dating Maddie for months, and when T.J. finds out about it, he is more than unhappy.
Tomo’s real name is Lane and he comes from a very wealthy Japanese family. His father is huge in the banking industry, and he is also very into the ‘old ways.’ He tells his son that the ‘matchmaker’ back in their native land has found a wife for him and she will be coming over very soon to meet her future husband. Lane has no idea how to tell his family that he has chosen Maddie for life and has no interest in a Japanese bride. Of course, before the families have much to say, Pearl Harbor is attacked, and more than one War begins.
Readers will run through life with Maddie and Lane as they try their very best to survive the bigotry and hatred that has cropped up in America against the Japanese, not to mention Maddie’s brother who has gone overseas to fight the enemy that was once his friend. Each and every page is breathtaking. Watching Maddie and Lane try to fight against all odds, while witnessing T.J. as he struggles to give up his childhood dream and finds himself in a prison that he may just never get out of unless his ‘friend turned enemy’ can save him, makes for a stunning plot.
The story is filled with laughter, tears and sheer beauty. All I can say is Kristina McMorris has once again written the ultimate epic that will appeal to readers of adventure, romance, drama, suspense and history. A true masterpiece!
Until Next Time,
Amy
Maddie Kern is a good girl. This nineteen-year-old has been through a lot of stress, losing her mother and having her father holed up in an institution because he simply refuses to speak to anyone - wrapped up in a past that he simply can’t escape from. Maddie’s biggest goal in life is to play her violin at the Julliard School, which she has auditioned for already, but this time she has her best chance of getting accepted.
Maddie is taken care of by her older brother, T.J., who is even more strict than her father was. T.J. loves tow things - baseball and his sister - and wants to protect Maddie from the world. But what he doesn’t know is his best friend that he calls Tomo has secretly been dating Maddie for months, and when T.J. finds out about it, he is more than unhappy.
Tomo’s real name is Lane and he comes from a very wealthy Japanese family. His father is huge in the banking industry, and he is also very into the ‘old ways.’ He tells his son that the ‘matchmaker’ back in their native land has found a wife for him and she will be coming over very soon to meet her future husband. Lane has no idea how to tell his family that he has chosen Maddie for life and has no interest in a Japanese bride. Of course, before the families have much to say, Pearl Harbor is attacked, and more than one War begins.
Readers will run through life with Maddie and Lane as they try their very best to survive the bigotry and hatred that has cropped up in America against the Japanese, not to mention Maddie’s brother who has gone overseas to fight the enemy that was once his friend. Each and every page is breathtaking. Watching Maddie and Lane try to fight against all odds, while witnessing T.J. as he struggles to give up his childhood dream and finds himself in a prison that he may just never get out of unless his ‘friend turned enemy’ can save him, makes for a stunning plot.
The story is filled with laughter, tears and sheer beauty. All I can say is Kristina McMorris has once again written the ultimate epic that will appeal to readers of adventure, romance, drama, suspense and history. A true masterpiece!
Until Next Time,
Amy
February 20, 2012
First thoughts after finishing: The author broke my heart.....
I am always grateful to authors when something they crafted with love touches me on such a deeply emotional level. This book pulled me in from the first chapter and I couldn't bear parting with the characters when the story ended. I have to say that I found this story thought provoking, often stopping to tell my husband what was occurring because I would get so upset over some of the actions of Americans toward Japanese Americans. I couldn't imagine operating under the sheer terror and panic of Pearl Harbor and have that event color my perception of my Japanese neighbors, friends, and ones that I would call family. Kristina wrote a story that needs to be talked about and remembered. I wasn't aware of some of the laws preventing those of Asian descent home ownership. I love it when I learn and acquire new information about a time period where most of the attention is drawn to Germany and the Holocaust.
Her story came alive and these people were real to me. I cherished the love story between Maddie and Lane. They had my heart from the very beginning. Could you imagine having people stop and stare at you just because you were holding hands with someone of a different race? This story shows that love knows no race, skin color, or facial features.
Recommend? Without hesitation! I think this would make for a wonderful book club selection too. I read the discussion questions in the back and really feel that there is so much to talk about and share with this beautiful book. Lane and Maddie's love story had me reminiscing about the time I spent in Japan as an exchange student. I felt blessed to have grown up when I did because I found love there during my stay. We didn't have to worry about holding hands in Niigata, where I was an exchange student. No one really paid us much attention and honestly, I never once thought of him as being any different from me. I just fell in love with him and his gentle ways. We were the lucky ones who benefited from those who braved the prejudice, shame, war relocation camps, and showed the rest of the world that we are all human and we all love.
Make sure that you listen to Bach's Second Partitia, The Chaconne. It added so much to the last twenty pages of my reading experience. Trust me on this!
I am always grateful to authors when something they crafted with love touches me on such a deeply emotional level. This book pulled me in from the first chapter and I couldn't bear parting with the characters when the story ended. I have to say that I found this story thought provoking, often stopping to tell my husband what was occurring because I would get so upset over some of the actions of Americans toward Japanese Americans. I couldn't imagine operating under the sheer terror and panic of Pearl Harbor and have that event color my perception of my Japanese neighbors, friends, and ones that I would call family. Kristina wrote a story that needs to be talked about and remembered. I wasn't aware of some of the laws preventing those of Asian descent home ownership. I love it when I learn and acquire new information about a time period where most of the attention is drawn to Germany and the Holocaust.
Her story came alive and these people were real to me. I cherished the love story between Maddie and Lane. They had my heart from the very beginning. Could you imagine having people stop and stare at you just because you were holding hands with someone of a different race? This story shows that love knows no race, skin color, or facial features.
Recommend? Without hesitation! I think this would make for a wonderful book club selection too. I read the discussion questions in the back and really feel that there is so much to talk about and share with this beautiful book. Lane and Maddie's love story had me reminiscing about the time I spent in Japan as an exchange student. I felt blessed to have grown up when I did because I found love there during my stay. We didn't have to worry about holding hands in Niigata, where I was an exchange student. No one really paid us much attention and honestly, I never once thought of him as being any different from me. I just fell in love with him and his gentle ways. We were the lucky ones who benefited from those who braved the prejudice, shame, war relocation camps, and showed the rest of the world that we are all human and we all love.
Make sure that you listen to Bach's Second Partitia, The Chaconne. It added so much to the last twenty pages of my reading experience. Trust me on this!
February 17, 2012
http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2012...
After suffering the loss of her mother, Maddie Kern is about to audition for Julliard. Her future is full of music and promise. She lives in California with her older and very protective brother TJ who is now watching over her, while their dad is unable to face the reality of his wife's death. Maddie is secretly in love with Lane Moritomo, TJ’s best friend and is planning on keeping it all hush hush until the right time.
What could be wrong with that? They are young, in love and have their whole lives ahead of them. When Lane’s parents unexpectedly tell him a Japanese matchmaker has found him a match and he will marry in the next few months. With news of an impending marriage the couple runs off and elope. When they wake up the next morning, not only has their world chanced but the world around them has changed with the news Perl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. Lane, his family and other Japanese immigrants all over the country are suddenly looked at as the enemy.
TJ angry at his best friend and mad at his sister joins the war effort and enlists. Lane’s family loses everything and heads off to a relocation camp, after realizing they can't survive. Lane determined to do right by Maddie leaves her behind. But now Maddie is viewed as a traitor by those around her and she no longer seems to fit anywhere.
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves follows Maddie, TJ and Lane through WWII. Maddie goes off with Lane’s family where his mother is less than enthusiastic to have her around. TJ and Lane both become soldiers. I would say this is the most moving novel I have ever had the pleasure to read. I immediately loved Lane, he was so sweet and thoughtful. The whole world was placed on his shoulders. He went through the entire novel always with purpose and thoughtfulness of those around him, a true hero. Maddie and the rest of the characters grew with each passing page, until I loved each and every one of them and their stories. Bridges of Scarlet Leaves had me reaching for my box of Kleenex more than once. A war/love story like none I’ve read before. It’s filled with tradition, honor, triumph and tragedies. I strongly strongly recommend Bridges of Scarlet Leaves.
After suffering the loss of her mother, Maddie Kern is about to audition for Julliard. Her future is full of music and promise. She lives in California with her older and very protective brother TJ who is now watching over her, while their dad is unable to face the reality of his wife's death. Maddie is secretly in love with Lane Moritomo, TJ’s best friend and is planning on keeping it all hush hush until the right time.
What could be wrong with that? They are young, in love and have their whole lives ahead of them. When Lane’s parents unexpectedly tell him a Japanese matchmaker has found him a match and he will marry in the next few months. With news of an impending marriage the couple runs off and elope. When they wake up the next morning, not only has their world chanced but the world around them has changed with the news Perl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. Lane, his family and other Japanese immigrants all over the country are suddenly looked at as the enemy.
TJ angry at his best friend and mad at his sister joins the war effort and enlists. Lane’s family loses everything and heads off to a relocation camp, after realizing they can't survive. Lane determined to do right by Maddie leaves her behind. But now Maddie is viewed as a traitor by those around her and she no longer seems to fit anywhere.
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves follows Maddie, TJ and Lane through WWII. Maddie goes off with Lane’s family where his mother is less than enthusiastic to have her around. TJ and Lane both become soldiers. I would say this is the most moving novel I have ever had the pleasure to read. I immediately loved Lane, he was so sweet and thoughtful. The whole world was placed on his shoulders. He went through the entire novel always with purpose and thoughtfulness of those around him, a true hero. Maddie and the rest of the characters grew with each passing page, until I loved each and every one of them and their stories. Bridges of Scarlet Leaves had me reaching for my box of Kleenex more than once. A war/love story like none I’ve read before. It’s filled with tradition, honor, triumph and tragedies. I strongly strongly recommend Bridges of Scarlet Leaves.
July 7, 2018
Fans of Kristina McMorris' debut, Letters From Home, will not be disappointed with her new novel. Bridge of Scarlet Leaves casts that same vintage spell, whirling you back to a moment in history so full and vivid it is hard to believe it was over a lifetime ago. The infusion of Japanese heritage only adds to the authenticity of the story. Hard to put down and easy to pick up again, this novel is one to remember.
More than chronicling three small-town lives, that of Maddie Kern, her brother, TJ, and her boyfriend of Japanese heritage, Lane Moritomo, through the WWII years, Bridge is a story of tradition, honor, and devotion; cultivating and holding on to family; the search for one’s identity, both within the world and within one’s self; forgiving who and what cannot be changed, including one’s own past; and loving without regret.
War has a way of sliding everything into perspective, and each character achieves emotional growth that is both realistic and satisfying over the course of this epic novel. With her two books, McMorris has proven that she doesn’t shy away from sorrow and loss and sacrifice at the hands of warfare or the human heart, and neither does she overwhelm her characters or readers. Even out of darkness, there is hope, a bridge to a life altered but not unoccupied by dreams and love and a future.
At times riveting and breathless, at others tender and moving, and consistently written with superb attention to historical detail, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves reads as a love letter to the men, women, and children wrongfully incarcerated in Japanese-American relocation and internment camps during WWII—and the faithful spouses who followed them.
A novel for historical fiction buffs, romance readers, and anyone who enjoys learning about a little-known piece of our past, Bridge will transport and deliver beyond all expectations. Another truly fine piece of storytelling from McMorris that is not to be missed.
More than chronicling three small-town lives, that of Maddie Kern, her brother, TJ, and her boyfriend of Japanese heritage, Lane Moritomo, through the WWII years, Bridge is a story of tradition, honor, and devotion; cultivating and holding on to family; the search for one’s identity, both within the world and within one’s self; forgiving who and what cannot be changed, including one’s own past; and loving without regret.
War has a way of sliding everything into perspective, and each character achieves emotional growth that is both realistic and satisfying over the course of this epic novel. With her two books, McMorris has proven that she doesn’t shy away from sorrow and loss and sacrifice at the hands of warfare or the human heart, and neither does she overwhelm her characters or readers. Even out of darkness, there is hope, a bridge to a life altered but not unoccupied by dreams and love and a future.
At times riveting and breathless, at others tender and moving, and consistently written with superb attention to historical detail, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves reads as a love letter to the men, women, and children wrongfully incarcerated in Japanese-American relocation and internment camps during WWII—and the faithful spouses who followed them.
A novel for historical fiction buffs, romance readers, and anyone who enjoys learning about a little-known piece of our past, Bridge will transport and deliver beyond all expectations. Another truly fine piece of storytelling from McMorris that is not to be missed.
August 25, 2015
If I could give this 2.5 stars I would.
I don't know where to start other than to just say that I finished this very disappointed. I went in excited to read this book and was just let down by the time it ended.
The plot was very interesting but at times it felt like there was too much going on connected to the main character. I mean just one character going through the death of her mother and her father's state very early in the book, then her brother going to war followed by her husband, her brother going missing in action, the cliffhanger chapter about her severe complications in childbirth, and finally having her husband die. To me it just felt like too much trying to go on.
The ending is what pretty much ruined the book for me. I honestly don't feel Lane's death added anything to the story other than sadness. So many other characters had died that the danger and hell of war was clear. His death didn't really change anything nor did it feel vital to the story. After his death I only finished the novel out of curiosity and because I wanted to know what happened between TJ and Jo. The final sting came when it was revealed that all three of Jo's brothers had served and had returned home.
My other biggest complaint is that the author randomly starts referring to female characters as gals about half way through. It was annoying that it came out of no where and in most places it just didn't flow well or feel appropriate for what was happening in the novel.
I don't know where to start other than to just say that I finished this very disappointed. I went in excited to read this book and was just let down by the time it ended.
The plot was very interesting but at times it felt like there was too much going on connected to the main character. I mean just one character going through the death of her mother and her father's state very early in the book, then her brother going to war followed by her husband, her brother going missing in action, the cliffhanger chapter about her severe complications in childbirth, and finally having her husband die. To me it just felt like too much trying to go on.
The ending is what pretty much ruined the book for me. I honestly don't feel Lane's death added anything to the story other than sadness. So many other characters had died that the danger and hell of war was clear. His death didn't really change anything nor did it feel vital to the story. After his death I only finished the novel out of curiosity and because I wanted to know what happened between TJ and Jo. The final sting came when it was revealed that all three of Jo's brothers had served and had returned home.
My other biggest complaint is that the author randomly starts referring to female characters as gals about half way through. It was annoying that it came out of no where and in most places it just didn't flow well or feel appropriate for what was happening in the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2012
This book is a true journey -- back to the WWII era and into the lives of a racially mixed couple (Japanese male, white female) and their families before and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Kristina McMorris is truly gifted at creating a sense of place and culture, down to the smallest -- which are sometimes the most significant -- details. Characters are believable, and I came to truly care for them as they grew despite adversity. This story will stay with you, and seems perfect for book clubs.
August 12, 2020
Kristina McMorris wrote this novel after Letters from Home, but I somehow never got around to reading it until now. It was a good story that held my attention the entire time.
I knew of the internment camps for people of Japanese descent from some other books I've read. The racism after Pearl Harbor is similar to the racism after the events of September 11th, 2001. I liked that we got Maddie, Lane, and TJ's perspectives. I would have enjoyed Jo's perspective, as well. Some parts were definitely hard to think about while reading. The details of the war got confusing though. I had a hard time picturing certain things going on during the war scenes and also understanding who was on whose side sometimes. I also wish some of the Japanese phrases had been translated instead of just fit into the context of the conversation.
I liked the progression of the relationships throughout the story. There was a lot of sadness to the story, but also some heartwarming and uplifting parts. I enjoy Kristina's writing a lot and this novel is further proof of why.
Movie casting suggestions:
Maddie: Amy Forsyth
TJ: William Brent
Lane: Ryan Potter
Jo: Jodelle Ferland
Emma: Momona Tamada
Kumiko: Tamlyn Tomita
I knew of the internment camps for people of Japanese descent from some other books I've read. The racism after Pearl Harbor is similar to the racism after the events of September 11th, 2001. I liked that we got Maddie, Lane, and TJ's perspectives. I would have enjoyed Jo's perspective, as well. Some parts were definitely hard to think about while reading. The details of the war got confusing though. I had a hard time picturing certain things going on during the war scenes and also understanding who was on whose side sometimes. I also wish some of the Japanese phrases had been translated instead of just fit into the context of the conversation.
I liked the progression of the relationships throughout the story. There was a lot of sadness to the story, but also some heartwarming and uplifting parts. I enjoy Kristina's writing a lot and this novel is further proof of why.
Movie casting suggestions:
Maddie: Amy Forsyth
TJ: William Brent
Lane: Ryan Potter
Jo: Jodelle Ferland
Emma: Momona Tamada
Kumiko: Tamlyn Tomita
December 31, 2022
California/Japanese American Internment/ POWs
Well, Kristina McMorris loves to break hearts. I am speaking of my heart along with her characters. This author gets me sobbing and wrapping myself up in a cozy blanket while my bf asks me "Are you going to be okay?"
What a loaded question for readers such as myself. There is love and war and forgiveness and identity and loss all woven throughout this book. Madeline and Lane are the types of literary couples that I won't soon forget.
Goodreads review published 30/12/22
Well, Kristina McMorris loves to break hearts. I am speaking of my heart along with her characters. This author gets me sobbing and wrapping myself up in a cozy blanket while my bf asks me "Are you going to be okay?"
What a loaded question for readers such as myself. There is love and war and forgiveness and identity and loss all woven throughout this book. Madeline and Lane are the types of literary couples that I won't soon forget.
Goodreads review published 30/12/22
July 29, 2024
I think if I didn’t have a historical fiction phase in middle school-high school this book would have been a four star book. However I have read this story before.
September 3, 2012
The exploration of interracial relationships during the height of wartime chaos sparked my interest. After reading the book's synopsis, I quickly dove in. Having loved Letters From Home, I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, something just didn't connect for me...
Maddie Kern and Lane Moritomo had succeeded in hiding their budding relationship from Maddie's older brother, TJ. However, Lane no longer wanted to hide their love. Maddie was not yet ready to explain their situation to her brother who had assumed a fatherly role following their parent's tragic accident. Hopelessly in love and destined to be together, Lane and Maddie take matters into their own hands and elope. Enveloped in the thrill of their little secret and overcome with love, they celebrate their new marriage in their own little world. A world that is quickly shattered as they awake the next morning to news that Pearl Harbor has been bombed.
Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese American relationships become strained: one's nationality no longer matters. Instead, ethnicity and skin color quickly divide those who were once close friends. All Japanese Americans are immediately considered suspect.
As Lane's family is torn apart, Maddie struggles to decide whether she should pursue her Juilliard dreams or stand by her husband as he is interned in a Japanese interment camp.
Love, war, tragedy, the courage of two intensely strong women...a little bit of everything. I feel as though there were tangents discussed in great detail that detracted from the overall poignancy of this novel. Perhaps too verbose in some areas, particularly TJ's college baseball experience, and not detailed enough in others: the aftermath of war and how life is resumed following the intense fractionalization of Japanese American relationships.
Many of the words in this book could have been my family's own story. My grandmother was interned in Manzanar and my parents faced scrutiny for their Japanese American interracial relationship. It is hard to imagine the sacrifices and fear faced by families like the Moritomo's. One day, a mere family next door, the next, a potential war enemy. In the blink of an eye...
Disappointing read, poignant plot idea.
Maddie Kern and Lane Moritomo had succeeded in hiding their budding relationship from Maddie's older brother, TJ. However, Lane no longer wanted to hide their love. Maddie was not yet ready to explain their situation to her brother who had assumed a fatherly role following their parent's tragic accident. Hopelessly in love and destined to be together, Lane and Maddie take matters into their own hands and elope. Enveloped in the thrill of their little secret and overcome with love, they celebrate their new marriage in their own little world. A world that is quickly shattered as they awake the next morning to news that Pearl Harbor has been bombed.
Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese American relationships become strained: one's nationality no longer matters. Instead, ethnicity and skin color quickly divide those who were once close friends. All Japanese Americans are immediately considered suspect.
As Lane's family is torn apart, Maddie struggles to decide whether she should pursue her Juilliard dreams or stand by her husband as he is interned in a Japanese interment camp.
Love, war, tragedy, the courage of two intensely strong women...a little bit of everything. I feel as though there were tangents discussed in great detail that detracted from the overall poignancy of this novel. Perhaps too verbose in some areas, particularly TJ's college baseball experience, and not detailed enough in others: the aftermath of war and how life is resumed following the intense fractionalization of Japanese American relationships.
Many of the words in this book could have been my family's own story. My grandmother was interned in Manzanar and my parents faced scrutiny for their Japanese American interracial relationship. It is hard to imagine the sacrifices and fear faced by families like the Moritomo's. One day, a mere family next door, the next, a potential war enemy. In the blink of an eye...
Disappointing read, poignant plot idea.
October 24, 2014
Please skip this book. Or, just read the afterword, with all of the great book suggestions she used as resources, and please read these primary sources instead. I’m not sure why she felt the need to try to reinvent the wheel and write a secondary (tertiary? etc.) account of these things.
Also, I think she bit off more than she could chew: instead of trying to handle “Japanese-American experiences during WWII,” “situations of brothers fighting against each other on both sides during WWII,” “POW experiences during WWII,” “instances where Caucasians married a Japanese-American during WWII,” she should have picked just ONE of these, b/c there is PLENTY of material to mine in any one of these given topics. Instead, she spread herself too thin and the book ends up being a mile wide and an inch thick. Some reviewers touch upon this and call it “epic in scope,” but I disagree: it’s just too thin on every issue.
Lastly, I really don’t sound to be judgmental, but I really would be remiss if I didn’t point out that this author is just plain not a good writer. She writes as if she were in about 7th grade and has just learned about similes, metaphors, and imagery, and she tosses them in there all over the place. She is like a technically good piano player, who plods along and hits all the right notes, but doesn’t have the emotion or the oomph or the inborn talent to carry it off. The book moves along steadily like a metronome until you just feel like you are plodding through the pages, waiting to find out the ending.
In sum, there are so many good books out there on these topics, I would like to suggest that Ms. McMorris leave it to others to write about them, and to suggest that writing books just may not be her forte. I wish her the best.
Also, I think she bit off more than she could chew: instead of trying to handle “Japanese-American experiences during WWII,” “situations of brothers fighting against each other on both sides during WWII,” “POW experiences during WWII,” “instances where Caucasians married a Japanese-American during WWII,” she should have picked just ONE of these, b/c there is PLENTY of material to mine in any one of these given topics. Instead, she spread herself too thin and the book ends up being a mile wide and an inch thick. Some reviewers touch upon this and call it “epic in scope,” but I disagree: it’s just too thin on every issue.
Lastly, I really don’t sound to be judgmental, but I really would be remiss if I didn’t point out that this author is just plain not a good writer. She writes as if she were in about 7th grade and has just learned about similes, metaphors, and imagery, and she tosses them in there all over the place. She is like a technically good piano player, who plods along and hits all the right notes, but doesn’t have the emotion or the oomph or the inborn talent to carry it off. The book moves along steadily like a metronome until you just feel like you are plodding through the pages, waiting to find out the ending.
In sum, there are so many good books out there on these topics, I would like to suggest that Ms. McMorris leave it to others to write about them, and to suggest that writing books just may not be her forte. I wish her the best.
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