Anshu: Dark Sorrow

by Juliet Kono

Fiction. Based on historical events, ANSHU is a tale of passion and human triumph in the face of extraordinary adversity, spanning the cane fields of Hawai'i and the devastation in Hiroshima. A pregnant and unmarried Hilo teenager, Himiko Aoki, finds her Hawai'i Japanese American identity clashing with Japan's cultural norms when she is sent to live with relatives in Tokyo in 1941 and becomes trapped there with the outbreak of war. When America drops the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Himiko finds herself adapting in unexpected ways just to survive.

Genres: Fiction, Japanese Literature, Japan

327 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2010

Reviews

[Pua Hawaiʻi Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

...Anshū is one of the best novels from Hawaiʻi that I’ve read this past year. It’s a story we should all read—whether to comprehend the harsh burden of sacrifice, the unapologetic destruction of war, or the gentle wisdom of Buddhism. Yet, it’s not an easy read, the conflicts and constant tragedy can often be hard on the heart. Still, I would highly recommend it to you as it’s an important piece of the Hawaii-Japanese canon, one that will burn an indelible impression on your soul.

Read more here:
http://www.hawaiibookblog.com/article...

[Cornelia DeDona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gutwrenching look at the devastion caused by the atomic bomb as seen through the eyes of one young Hilo woman survivor trapped in Japan.

[Nanako Water · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet Kono did a wonderful job capturing the emotions of a young Japanese-American woman Himiko who is trapped in Japan during WWII. The title hints at the physical, emotional and moral turmoil Himiko endures. The story begins with beautiful young Himiko in Hawaii, resenting her older sister and being in love with a local boy. But with her move to Japan and forced to live with her Japanese relatives, Himiko matures and recognizes her own shortcomings. Kono was especially skilled at depicting the personalities of Himiko's relatives and Japanese friends and lover. No one is completely evil and no one is completely innocent. Buddhist thought is interwoven through the story so that a sense of hope remains despite the horrors of war.

[Jasmine Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you think life can’t get any worse, then it does? That is exactly what Hi-Chan experienced in this book: a life of misfortunes and dark sorrows. Kono is such a great writer for making her characters relatable and lovable even during wartime Japan. My heart sinks at every chapter, yet it makes you want to continue reading and see what else Hi-Chan experience. There will be very heavy themes in this book, but it’s worthwhile.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The. Best. You know when a book is good. When it makes you sad, mad, frustrated. This book made me crazy. Harue Auntie made me so mad. I had to take breaks in reading because I got so emotional with the characterization and the story. But that is one good story. Being from Hawaii and being Japanese american I understand the values of the characters. It was an amazing book!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story of a young woman’s journey from Hawai’i to Japan just before the start of WWII and how she remained and survived in Japan over the course of the war. Rich with history, culture and personal growth, the author explores what it means to be family with themes of selfishness and selflessness. It took me about 5% to get caught up, but then I really did.

[bosbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

you can rly tell that juliet kono has a background in poetry; the prose is imagery-rich and flowed succinctly well, managing to be beautiful and spring-inducing despite the grim subject matter. unrepentant in its bleak horror that's unfortunately grounded in reality. i was honestly shocked at how 1) far some things went, and 2) despite the nonstop barrage of misfortune the protag faces, the underlying optimism that ultimately wraps up this book doesn't feel misplaced shoe-horned in, but rather inspiringly bittersweet.

[Mightyko Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting. Well written. The saddest book you'll ever read.

I went to a discussion with the author, and was surprised to find that she felt like the bombing was necessary. I wouldn't have guessed that from reading her book. It only made me deeply regret that we have ever needed to use such force against another country.

This book also gives people exposure to the firebombings in Japan. So few people know about that at all-- they don't teach it in school, really.

[Margie Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of World War Two experience from a Japanese woman born in Hawaii

[Jesse Blanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad but excellent....