Don’t judge a book by its cover. Seriously, are we back to that old adage? But so, so true. I picked up The Japanese Lover for two reasons: I haven’t read anything by Isabel Allende in years and based on the cover I assumed it was a war time novel set in Japan. I was close. The Japanese Lover is a novel partially set during WWII in San Francisco.
In many ways there could not be a more timely book than The Japanese Lover – Alma, the protagonist, is a Jewish refugee from Poland sent to live with her aunt and uncle in the US. They employ a Japanese-American gardener, who is sent to an internment camp during the war because of the the supposed ‘Japanese threat’. Switch out the nationalities and all of this is starting to sound rather familiar.
As I said, I haven’t read Allende in years, and i remember her being a little more heavy handed, more densely literary. As it turns out, The Japanese Lover is a very pleasant read. Not as challenging as I thought it would be, but it still explores many issues as it switches back and forth from the present day to 1940s California.
Who would like this book? Ah, Christmas is coming and I would say this is a sure fire pick for anyone who likes literary fiction that is not too heavy. By that, I mean, it’s a page turner that won’t bog one down. The themes are incredibly important as many countries are questioning their response to the Syrian crisis. Because of how it deals with Japanese Internment, it is also reminiscent of Requiem by Frances Itani, and Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson.
52 books or bust 
I heard a lot of buzz about this one and right when it was released and then haven’t really seen many reviews on the blogs. And, I’ve randomly read a couple books that touched on internment in various capacities lately (2 nonfiction and The Nightingale…the Nazis interning the French). Definitely got me thinking.
I thought I’d see many more reviews of this one, but haven’t. I wonder why.
I might have just glossed over this one if I hadn’t read your review. It sounds like it covers some interesting topics. I’m going to keep an eye out for it!
This sounds pretty great but I might have hit my WWII quota for a little while. Still, I’m keeping an eye out for this one at the library – I haven’t ever read Isabel Allende!
I thought I was bad because I’ve only read one Allende (under duress at book club). Give it a try. There’s a nice contemporary story line as well, so not too much ww2.
I agree with the other responders – haven’t seen any blog reviews of the new Allende. I’m especially fond of her non-fiction, “Paula,” in particular. This one sounds good and I’m placing a hold on it right now. Thanks.
I guess I’m a little on the fence about this one though it does sound like a pleasant read. It does sound a bit like Snow Falling on Cedars mixed with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. But I could go there again.
I reviewed this recently — the book sounded great to me but I was disappointed. I just didn’t like the characters very much. I prefer Allende’s older novels.
Allende is one of my fave writers. I find it a little odd that Allende who is known for her books set in Chile, strong Hispanic cultural elements, and her magical realism bent, would do something totally out of left field. I’m suspending judgment but Japanese Lover isn’t high on my TBR.
As I said, I’ve only read one Allende and this did seem to be a departure and you confirmed it. I know she lives in San Francisco, so I get why she has set the novel there, but stylistically i think this is a big departure. No magic realism and is told in a very straight forward way. Might not be your cup of tea.
I haven’t read enough of Allende to compare with her other work. But i have the sense that this is quite unlike the rest of her works. Perhaps that is why it’s not being reviewed so widely.
Allende is one of my fave writers. I find it a little odd that Allende who is known for her books set in Chile, strong Hispanic cultural elements, and her magical realism bent, would do something totally out of left field. I’m suspending judgment but Japanese Lover isn’t high on my TBR.
I found this book bordered easy reading and hard hitting fiction. The war camp bits were the most interesting, but it lacked a bit of depth with the modern day characters. I enjoyed reading it.
I felt the same. It almost felt like 2 completely different novels in the way the two portions were written.
T
Another great one to read on this topic is Kristina McMorris’ BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES. I think you would love this one Tanya (if you haven’t already read it!)
I’ve never even heard of it. Must check it out.
Haha, interestingly, exactly what I get from this cover is that this is going to be a lighter read. I think it’s the soft feel of the cover that makes me expect that. In general, I’m definitely guilty of that kind of judging and I feel as though it works out for me, but it’s hard to tell without knowing what you’ve missed out on 🙂