TITLE/AUTHOR: Fifty Words for Rain; Asha Lemmie
PUBLISHER: Dutton
YEAR PUBLISHED: 2020
GENRE: Fiction Historical
FORMAT: Print/LENGTH: 463 pp.
SOURCE: Library
SETTING(s): Japan
ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: A touching coming of age story about a biracial girl growing up in post WWII Japan.
BRIEF REVIEW: Noriko (Nori) Kamiza is a biracial child born to a woman from a prominent Japanese aristocratic family; her father a black, American G.I. An embarrassment to the prominent family, the story begins in 1948 with eight year old Nori being dropped off with a suitcase at the iron gates of her grandparents estate. Upon her arrival she is hidden up in an attic and is forced to endure painful bleaching scrub baths in an effort to lighten her skin color. She's a bright girl who learns to read, write and do math as well; she does what she is told. When Akira, the older half-brother that Nori never knew about arrives to live at the estate after his father's death, it is a lucky break for Nori. Akira, the likely heir to the grandparents fortunes, turns out to be an advocate for her. He shows her kindness, teaches her about music and helps her gain some freedom like being able to spend time outdoors. However, grandmother is not happy about the closeness of the half-siblings and will do whatever is necessary to keep the them apart.
The story spans a few decades and although it starts out rather sad, the book is not all doom and gloom and there are some moments of joy as well. This was an impressive debut novel even though at times I felt the Nori character felt inconsistent. I think this would make a very good book club discussion choice. I forgot just how much I really enjoy historical fiction whenever I read it. I also liked the setting of post-WWII Japan.
RATING: 4/5 stars
That poor girl! This sounds like a really interesting book, Diane. The setting, both place and time period really appeal to me. I am adding this to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI think you might like it Wendy, a very well done debut.
DeleteThis sounds like a good story and interesting premise. I like the cover, too.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is very pretty, and, a good story as well.
DeleteSad but an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteThe sad stuff happens quick and isn't belabored.
DeleteThis so7nds like a touching read, thanks for sharing your thoughts
ReplyDeleteYes, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
DeleteThat sounds good. That time period had to be a tough one.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was good and not too sad. The sad stuff happens quick and isn't belabored.
DeleteI am so glad you liked it. I read this for a reading group and our discussion was excellent!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you blogged about this one Judy. I liked it.
DeleteI like the sound of this one. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThe audio is good as well JoAnn.
DeleteThis is on my list to read but I wasn't sure I could read about all the sadness in the book, so I'm glad you mention that it's not just all doom and gloom. I'll bump it up my list.
ReplyDeleteAthira, I do hope that you love this one.
DeleteI really enjoy historical fiction and this sounds very good. Will add to my list!
ReplyDeleteIt's well done, but, not perfect.
DeleteThis one is on my library hold list, and reading your review has just amped up my anticipation a notch or two.
ReplyDeleteI'll be curious what you think from the perspective of a male.
DeleteSounds good but I am so burned out on WWII.
ReplyDeleteI felt that way too but, funny the last 2 WWII books I read, I really loved them.
DeleteThis sounds like it could be a tough read but you’ve piqued my interest!
ReplyDeleteIt's not perfect but very good.
DeleteYes, you have me interested now -- since you say it's not all doom & gloom! I like novels set in Japan too ... so I'm a "go" for this one!
ReplyDeleteI loved the Japan setting, as it's been a while since I read a book that took place there.
DeleteThis does like a good one for book club. Making a note now :)
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to read more Japanese literature and books about Japan, so it fits the bill. I've never read anything post-WWII. Thanks for sharing, the theme is interesting.
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