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Uncertain Luck
Her mother has died and her father is missing. In despair, twenty-year-old Emiko abandons her factory job to go searching for her father in Tokyo. It is 1969, and her father has helped with student protests against the war in Vietnam. This gives Emiko a lead to start her search.
To survive in Tokyo, she stays at a hostel in the seedy Sanya neighborhood and takes a job as hostess in a bar where she’s required to “talk cute,” which goes against her grain.
She’s previously refused an offer to become the second wife of the rich Genji, twice her age, who had been in love with her mother, but when she’s fired and out of money, in desperation she goes to Genji’s office, hoping for a loan. Genji has something else in mind.
Emiko nearly gives up the idea of finding her father. And then she meets Juan, an American soldier recovering from a battle injury. Now she’s in love with a soldier in the war she and her father have been denouncing for years.
To survive in Tokyo, she stays at a hostel in the seedy Sanya neighborhood and takes a job as hostess in a bar where she’s required to “talk cute,” which goes against her grain.
She’s previously refused an offer to become the second wife of the rich Genji, twice her age, who had been in love with her mother, but when she’s fired and out of money, in desperation she goes to Genji’s office, hoping for a loan. Genji has something else in mind.
Emiko nearly gives up the idea of finding her father. And then she meets Juan, an American soldier recovering from a battle injury. Now she’s in love with a soldier in the war she and her father have been denouncing for years.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
324 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Rea Keech
11 books20 followersI love fiction and nonfiction. Lately I've been reading books set in countries outside of the U.S.
I've been a teacher all my life--at the University of South Carolina, Voorhees College, and the University of Tehran, as well as schools in Japan and Greece.
I taught English and World Literature at a community college for many years. My doctorate is in Comparative Literature.
I've been a teacher all my life--at the University of South Carolina, Voorhees College, and the University of Tehran, as well as schools in Japan and Greece.
I taught English and World Literature at a community college for many years. My doctorate is in Comparative Literature.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 6, 2024
The backdrop of Vietnam War time in Japan makes for an interesting historical setting, and the burgeoning romance between Emiko, a Japanese young woman, and Juan, a Puerto Rican US soldier convalescing there, is gentle and sweet.
For both characters, the book provides more facts about their pasts than emotional history (we know some of what happened in their lives but not their feelings, yearnings, insecurities, defining moments etc). As a result, their choices throughout the book seem abrupt or unfounded. For instance, their rapid attachment to one another was sweet, but hard to be bought into and invested in as a reader.
I particularly struggled to understand the motivations and voice of Emiko, whose maturity seems all over the place. She seems at once self sufficient and helpless, worldly and naive. I also think the audiobook narrator gives her a childish voice, which adds to this and makes it surprising when she does adultish things like forwardly initiate a kiss or start an intellectual conversation over policy or politics.
I found myself filling in the gaps to make the story make sense or resonate: how did she get so good at English and have such in depth knowledge of world politics? Because of her father’s activism? But then why didn’t she go to college like some of her friends? Is it because her father was away and they needed the money from her factory job? Why is she so deferential to women in her village and suddenly so bold and outspoken when she gets to Tokyo? Why is she so opposed to domestic life and disinterested in romantic relationships until she meets Juan? And why do they instantly attach themselves to each other? Are they filling a void of lovelessness in other parts of their lives? Are they drawn to each other’s different backgrounds? Or are they both just super hot and irresistible to one another?
I kept rooting for this book, as I love both historical fiction and romance, and it has so much potential with the initial plotline and context. The gaps I described above as well as the stilted dialogue were distracting, though, so I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Thanks to NetGalley, Rea Keech and Real Nice Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
—
“It seemed simple in her mind. Japan was wrongly supporting an American war that was based on that country's obsessive, irrational fear of communism. People in Vietnam were being killed as a result. She'd enthusiastically helped her father write some pamphlets he took to demonstrations. Of course she and her father knew that Americans were being killed in the war as well as Vietnamese. But since they were the foreign aggressors, they didn't get as much sympathy. Now she was starting to see from their point of view. She wished she could talk to her father about it. Helping to oppose a cruel, senseless war would seem to be her ideal job. Then why was it that Takashi, the anti-war guy, seemed so heartless and aggressive, while Juan, the war-perpetrator, was kind and loving?” (Ch 14)
For both characters, the book provides more facts about their pasts than emotional history (we know some of what happened in their lives but not their feelings, yearnings, insecurities, defining moments etc). As a result, their choices throughout the book seem abrupt or unfounded. For instance, their rapid attachment to one another was sweet, but hard to be bought into and invested in as a reader.
I particularly struggled to understand the motivations and voice of Emiko, whose maturity seems all over the place. She seems at once self sufficient and helpless, worldly and naive. I also think the audiobook narrator gives her a childish voice, which adds to this and makes it surprising when she does adultish things like forwardly initiate a kiss or start an intellectual conversation over policy or politics.
I found myself filling in the gaps to make the story make sense or resonate: how did she get so good at English and have such in depth knowledge of world politics? Because of her father’s activism? But then why didn’t she go to college like some of her friends? Is it because her father was away and they needed the money from her factory job? Why is she so deferential to women in her village and suddenly so bold and outspoken when she gets to Tokyo? Why is she so opposed to domestic life and disinterested in romantic relationships until she meets Juan? And why do they instantly attach themselves to each other? Are they filling a void of lovelessness in other parts of their lives? Are they drawn to each other’s different backgrounds? Or are they both just super hot and irresistible to one another?
I kept rooting for this book, as I love both historical fiction and romance, and it has so much potential with the initial plotline and context. The gaps I described above as well as the stilted dialogue were distracting, though, so I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Thanks to NetGalley, Rea Keech and Real Nice Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
—
“It seemed simple in her mind. Japan was wrongly supporting an American war that was based on that country's obsessive, irrational fear of communism. People in Vietnam were being killed as a result. She'd enthusiastically helped her father write some pamphlets he took to demonstrations. Of course she and her father knew that Americans were being killed in the war as well as Vietnamese. But since they were the foreign aggressors, they didn't get as much sympathy. Now she was starting to see from their point of view. She wished she could talk to her father about it. Helping to oppose a cruel, senseless war would seem to be her ideal job. Then why was it that Takashi, the anti-war guy, seemed so heartless and aggressive, while Juan, the war-perpetrator, was kind and loving?” (Ch 14)
December 5, 2023
Uncertain Luck : the word seem to mean, 'dont count on your luck, you are on your own'.
This is a story of young girl navigating life on her own trying to find her lost father after her mother dies. This book never tries to invoke sympathy for Emiko, it just moves on a leisure pace how life tends to do in reality. Life never stops for anyone or anything, and there may be helps around but we have to face it on our own. Emiko has lost her parents but finds true love, she endures not so respectable job but makes friends to count on.
This leisure pace of the book is its drawback too as most things feel very convenient. Maybe thats how life is, but we tend to like excitement in our fiction. Also, book is an Historical fiction claiming to be set in Vietnam war. But that is never the center stage, other than love interest being posted there for a while. Last 3 chapters and Epilogue are a stretch and not needed at all, as the happy ending was already achieved much before that.
Its a casual read, not great not bad. Can be easily picked up during a flight/ journey.
Thank you NetGalley and IBPA for sharing with me an arc and opportunity to share an honest feedback.
This is a story of young girl navigating life on her own trying to find her lost father after her mother dies. This book never tries to invoke sympathy for Emiko, it just moves on a leisure pace how life tends to do in reality. Life never stops for anyone or anything, and there may be helps around but we have to face it on our own. Emiko has lost her parents but finds true love, she endures not so respectable job but makes friends to count on.
This leisure pace of the book is its drawback too as most things feel very convenient. Maybe thats how life is, but we tend to like excitement in our fiction. Also, book is an Historical fiction claiming to be set in Vietnam war. But that is never the center stage, other than love interest being posted there for a while. Last 3 chapters and Epilogue are a stretch and not needed at all, as the happy ending was already achieved much before that.
Its a casual read, not great not bad. Can be easily picked up during a flight/ journey.
Thank you NetGalley and IBPA for sharing with me an arc and opportunity to share an honest feedback.
November 14, 2024
Good characters but it really dragged for me.
August 27, 2024
Thank you Real Nice Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for allowing me to audibly read and review Uncertain Luck by Rea Keech on NetGalley.
Published: 11/01/23
Narrated by Rea Keech (Author)
Stars: 5
This has everything I look for in a good story. The characters are as written with textbook expectations. Everyone has problems and no one is sabotaging another. This is great storytelling. The pieces are interlocking and the end result is not necessarily what I wanted, but exactly as it should be.
The author did a good job narrating.
The synopsis speaks for itself.
I would gift and recommend to those who enjoy historical classy fiction.
Published: 11/01/23
Narrated by Rea Keech (Author)
Stars: 5
This has everything I look for in a good story. The characters are as written with textbook expectations. Everyone has problems and no one is sabotaging another. This is great storytelling. The pieces are interlocking and the end result is not necessarily what I wanted, but exactly as it should be.
The author did a good job narrating.
The synopsis speaks for itself.
I would gift and recommend to those who enjoy historical classy fiction.
November 7, 2020
Uncertain Luck by Rea Keech
Set in 1969 Toyko, young Emiko is searching for her missing father. With her Mother deceased, she has little money and is struggling to find a reputable job. She approached Genji, a wealth family friend for an attempt at getting a loan. She learns he was in love with her Mother and his motives for helping Emiko are not good.
On her search she meet an injured American Soldier (Juan), they form a friendship which turns into love. As she continues to search for her Father, she is close to losing hope on her mission. Will she find her Father? Will she be able to be with her true love Juan?
An original story that moves at a steady place. Emiko is young (twenty one years old) but wise and ahead of her time. She is strong willed and knows what challenges she faces. Juan is very likable as well. Being injured in Vietnam he has witnessed things no young man should have to. His love for Emiko is what motivates him to cope with his harsh reality. Secrets are revealed, emotions run high as Emiko comes closer and closer to finding her Father.
Overall I found Uncertain Luck very enjoyable. I highly recommend to Young/Adult and Adult readers as well.
Set in 1969 Toyko, young Emiko is searching for her missing father. With her Mother deceased, she has little money and is struggling to find a reputable job. She approached Genji, a wealth family friend for an attempt at getting a loan. She learns he was in love with her Mother and his motives for helping Emiko are not good.
On her search she meet an injured American Soldier (Juan), they form a friendship which turns into love. As she continues to search for her Father, she is close to losing hope on her mission. Will she find her Father? Will she be able to be with her true love Juan?
An original story that moves at a steady place. Emiko is young (twenty one years old) but wise and ahead of her time. She is strong willed and knows what challenges she faces. Juan is very likable as well. Being injured in Vietnam he has witnessed things no young man should have to. His love for Emiko is what motivates him to cope with his harsh reality. Secrets are revealed, emotions run high as Emiko comes closer and closer to finding her Father.
Overall I found Uncertain Luck very enjoyable. I highly recommend to Young/Adult and Adult readers as well.
March 21, 2024
"Uncertain Luck" by Rea Keech, both authored and narrated by Keech, offers listeners a glimpse into the tumultuous landscape of 1969 Tokyo through the eyes of Emiko, a young woman on a quest to find her missing father. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the audiobook promises a blend of historical fiction and romance, which initially intrigued me as a fan of the genre.
After her mother's death, Emiko's journey unfolds as she leaves her village behind to seek answers in Tokyo, only to find herself entangled in a series of challenging circumstances. Working for various unsavoury characters, she crosses paths with Juan, a wounded soldier recovering from injuries after being wounded in Vietnam, sparking a love story fraught with uncertainty.
While the premise of "Uncertain Luck" held promise, I struggled to connect with the protagonist, Emiko, and the overall narrative. While aiming to convey the mood and atmosphere of the time, Keech's narration fell flat for me, lacking the depth and emotion needed to immerse me in the story fully. The monotone delivery made it difficult to stay engaged, and I often found myself putting off listening to the audiobook.
That being said, there were moments of brightness within the storyline, particularly in the portrayal of friendships and fleeting moments of connection. However, these were overshadowed by the challenges of connecting with the main character and the narrative as a whole.
Reflecting on my experience, I couldn't help but feel that a female narrator may have enhanced the story, particularly given its focus on Emiko's perspective. A different voice might have brought depth and authenticity to her character, allowing listeners to better empathize with her journey.
While "Uncertain Luck" may not have resonated with me personally, I believe there is potential for it to find its audience among those who appreciate historical fiction with a touch of romance.
While it may not have been the right fit for me, I remain hopeful that others will find enjoyment in its pages.
I am grateful to NetGalley, Real Nice Books, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for providing me with a copy of the audiobook.
#Netgalley #UncertainLuck
After her mother's death, Emiko's journey unfolds as she leaves her village behind to seek answers in Tokyo, only to find herself entangled in a series of challenging circumstances. Working for various unsavoury characters, she crosses paths with Juan, a wounded soldier recovering from injuries after being wounded in Vietnam, sparking a love story fraught with uncertainty.
While the premise of "Uncertain Luck" held promise, I struggled to connect with the protagonist, Emiko, and the overall narrative. While aiming to convey the mood and atmosphere of the time, Keech's narration fell flat for me, lacking the depth and emotion needed to immerse me in the story fully. The monotone delivery made it difficult to stay engaged, and I often found myself putting off listening to the audiobook.
That being said, there were moments of brightness within the storyline, particularly in the portrayal of friendships and fleeting moments of connection. However, these were overshadowed by the challenges of connecting with the main character and the narrative as a whole.
Reflecting on my experience, I couldn't help but feel that a female narrator may have enhanced the story, particularly given its focus on Emiko's perspective. A different voice might have brought depth and authenticity to her character, allowing listeners to better empathize with her journey.
While "Uncertain Luck" may not have resonated with me personally, I believe there is potential for it to find its audience among those who appreciate historical fiction with a touch of romance.
While it may not have been the right fit for me, I remain hopeful that others will find enjoyment in its pages.
I am grateful to NetGalley, Real Nice Books, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for providing me with a copy of the audiobook.
#Netgalley #UncertainLuck
October 19, 2020
A wonderfully written novel of love, loyalty and friendship. Emiko's father has disappeared after going to Tokyo to support the protests against the Vietnam war. When her Mother dies , Emiko travels to Tokyo to find her father. During her travels and stay in Tokyo she meets Satoru and Mariko and become friends with each.
While looking for her father she takes a couple of jobs to support herself until she finds one as a translator. While working as a translator she meets Juan, an American solider fighting in the Vietnam war. She falls in love with Juan, who has finished his medical leave and returns to his unit. While waiting for Juan to return, she finds her employer is arrested, she locates her father. She now must let her father know that she is in love with a solider who is fighting a war that her father has been denouncing. Juan returns from the war.
I have found a new author!
I would definitely recommend this wonderful book. I received this book for free in return for a review.
While looking for her father she takes a couple of jobs to support herself until she finds one as a translator. While working as a translator she meets Juan, an American solider fighting in the Vietnam war. She falls in love with Juan, who has finished his medical leave and returns to his unit. While waiting for Juan to return, she finds her employer is arrested, she locates her father. She now must let her father know that she is in love with a solider who is fighting a war that her father has been denouncing. Juan returns from the war.
I have found a new author!
I would definitely recommend this wonderful book. I received this book for free in return for a review.
December 6, 2023
Uncertain Luck follows Emiko as her and her mom created a stable living situation after Emiko's father left to support student protests against the Vietnam war. Without confirmation of her fathers death after years of him being gone, Emiko is convinced he is still out there and wants to go find up. When her mother suddenly dies of poor health, Emiko takes it as her chance to head to Tokoyo in search for her only potentially living parent.
With little money or professional experience, Emiko takes this journey as a time to make connections in search for her father. Upon coming across a job listing for translating news articles between English and Japanese, Emiko is able to make connections that bring her towards her father and a handsome soldier battling an injury.
This is a calming and casual read that I enjoyed a lot. It was an overall entertaining read that I was invested in throughout. This would be a great read for anyone looking for something to get lost in and enjoy at face value.
With little money or professional experience, Emiko takes this journey as a time to make connections in search for her father. Upon coming across a job listing for translating news articles between English and Japanese, Emiko is able to make connections that bring her towards her father and a handsome soldier battling an injury.
This is a calming and casual read that I enjoyed a lot. It was an overall entertaining read that I was invested in throughout. This would be a great read for anyone looking for something to get lost in and enjoy at face value.
January 17, 2021
This is the story of a young girl in Tokyo set during the time of the Vietnam war. Her mother recently passed away and her father is missing. Brave and determined, she sets out to find him and has to overcome many obstacles along the way. She meets Juan, an American soldier, and falls in love but as the saying goes; all is not fair in love and war! I do not want to say anymore because I don't want any spoilers. I loved the character of Emiko and was rooting for her the entire time I was reading this book. Despite the hardships she has to endure, she remains vigilant! It was beautifully written and I found myself sneaking in a chapter whenever I found a few spare minutes. I really liked how the author included the epilogue and how there was a glossary to translate the language. I found myself guessing at what the word meant and then checking the glossary to see how close I came!
November 20, 2023
I requested this book from Net Galley because I thoroughly enjoyed a previous book, A Hundred Veils,. by the author Rea Keech. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for this novel. I hate to say this but it may be because the author himself narrated it and it just didn't work for me. He may be able to write a good story but he is not a good narrator of stories. What I did appreciate about the novel was the historical accuracy of the turbulent times during the Vietnam War and the characters, Emiko and Juan and their romance. They persevered through troubling times to stay together and build a life together in Japan. It's not a bad novel, it's just not that great.
November 27, 2023
A very well written story about Emiko, a young Japanese girl who is searching for her missing father, after the death of her mother. Despite her youth, Emiko is strong and determined and she isn’t afraid to stand up for what she knows is right. I found myself completely engaged in her life, her friendships, her relationship with Juan and her unwavering belief that her father was still alive.
I wasn’t keen on the narration as I felt a younger, female voice would have portrayed this character more convincingly.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Rea Keech and Real Nice Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
I wasn’t keen on the narration as I felt a younger, female voice would have portrayed this character more convincingly.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Rea Keech and Real Nice Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
February 17, 2021
This book, while not a page-turner in the typical sense, subtly pulls you in, and before you know it you're halfway through and just coming up for air. I felt such a range of emotions while reading this, and I loved Emiko from the start. Her strength and independence were absolutely endearing. I did like Juan once we met him, and the bond that builds between him and Emiko feels so natural. A wonderful book that I plan on putting on my re-read shelf!
December 2, 2020
I received this book free from librarything. It was a very moving story during the Viet Nam era about Emiko and how her mother had died and her father went missing and then an Americn GI came by and she tried to go on with her life and her search for love, family and happiness. Alone and afraid she ventured and coped with what was given to her.
January 16, 2024
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.
This was an ok read, I enjoyed the setting and was interested in the Vietnam War aspect as I haven't really read many stories set in that time frame. However, I wasn't really drawn in by the characters and so it felt a little flat to me. Not bad, just not my favorite. The narrator was ok.
This was an ok read, I enjoyed the setting and was interested in the Vietnam War aspect as I haven't really read many stories set in that time frame. However, I wasn't really drawn in by the characters and so it felt a little flat to me. Not bad, just not my favorite. The narrator was ok.
June 15, 2022
The story is set in Japan. I feel I learned a lot about the country and its people from this novel. I especially liked the way Emiko was determined to find her missing father. Another wonderful story by the author of A Hundred Veils, which was set in Iran.
November 25, 2023
This was my cup of tea. I love Historical Fiction, and this one is rich with Japanese culture. Which also interests me. The story did not disappoint.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Real Nice Books for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Real Nice Books for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2023
A pleasant listen - set in Japan, with the Vietnam War brewing, a young woman sets about finding her father after her mother has died. The story is straightforward and satisfying. I’m always grateful to learn about other cultures.
NetGalley
NetGalley
October 15, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I liked the plot and the flow of the book. I didn't want to put it down. I really liked how it had an epilogue and didn't leave you wondering.
January 27, 2024
Definitely a different kind of read than what I'm use to but was entertaining and I learned some things along the way.
March 5, 2024
An unusual historical fiction, "Uncertain Luck" by Rea Keech tells the story of Emiko as she tries to find her missing father and Juan during his recovery from an injury in Vietnam. Emiko and Juan meet in Tokyo and sparks fly despite the two coming from different worlds.
Listening to the Japanese perspective and history surrounding the time of the Vietnam Conflict is interesting amidst the unusual storyline. I personally enjoyed getting some insight on Japanese life in the late 1960s. However, I felt that Emiko was quite naïve and I had a little difficulty getting into the story initially because I had a hard time connecting with her. I also wished for a female voice when the story was told from her perspective. The male voice narrating Emiko's parts made me remember that she was fictional rather than helping me relate to her.
Overall, "Uncertain Luck" is a pleasant read with great historical insight.
Listening to the Japanese perspective and history surrounding the time of the Vietnam Conflict is interesting amidst the unusual storyline. I personally enjoyed getting some insight on Japanese life in the late 1960s. However, I felt that Emiko was quite naïve and I had a little difficulty getting into the story initially because I had a hard time connecting with her. I also wished for a female voice when the story was told from her perspective. The male voice narrating Emiko's parts made me remember that she was fictional rather than helping me relate to her.
Overall, "Uncertain Luck" is a pleasant read with great historical insight.
October 10, 2020
It is 1969 and the war in Vietnam is going on, and Juan, an American soldier who was injured in battle is sent to Tokyo on medical leave. Here he finds Emiko, a 20 year old woman whose mother just died and she is searching for her missing father. And they fall in love, and Juan is thinking of deserting and Emiko has given up hope of ever finding her dad. This is a love story where these tow have some luck and all goes well. It is a feel good story, but not enough tension or surprises to garner more emotion from this reader. Everything seem to fall right into place with not enough obstacles or antagonists. I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews