Tori, an investigative reporter in present day Michigan, is stunned to discover through her father’s deathbed confession that she may have a sister in Japan. After he dies, she sells his collectible Cadillac, and uses the money for a ticket to Japan, determined to find out the truth about her father and to meet her half-sibling. All she has to go on is the common name and old address of Naoko Nakamura, the woman her father left behind.

Naoko tells her own story in alternating chapters of how she fell in love and became pregnant in 1957 Japan. Although her American lover Jimmy, or Hajime as she calls him, is eager to marry her, Naoko’s family opposes the union. The U.S. military also discourages interracial marriages, making it virtually impossible for servicemen to marry Japanese women. Nevertheless, Naoko and Jimmy hold a ceremony, planning to get their paperwork in order later. However, when Hajime, is shipped out, Naoko’s family swoops in and sends her off to the sinister Bamboo Maternity Home.

Johns continually ratchets up the tension until, ultimately, these parallel narratives converge in a stunning conclusion.

In notes to the novel, Johns writes that she was inspired by her own father’s love for a Japanese woman during his time in the U.S. navy in Japan, as well as the over 10,000 babies conceived between American servicemen and Japanese women before, during and after the Occupation.

The Woman in the White Kimono is a bittersweet love story from a dark past.

This book pulled me in from the very first sentences. I loved the writing - it's lyrical, but not overly so (like some of the books I tried and DNFed). The story itself is so beautiful and at first is full of hope. At end, however, the heartbreak is real as were the tears on my face.

This book was mesmerizing. It channeled the elegance and intensity of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. The book provides a poignant reminder of the travesties of discrimination. It shows us that love has no bounds. Naoko's story is such that the reader cannot ignore the overwhelming emotions that come with the telling. Toki's story also helps us understand all that people are forced to endure and overcome. Johns wrote a beautiful, suspenseful, emotional story that will delight all lovers of historical fiction.

I really didn't enjoy this book all that much and to be honest I ended up not finishing the book. I'm not sure if I'll pick up any books from the author in the future.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and Netgalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A beautiful rich tale of secrets, love and redemption told in two timelines with deeply flawed, very human characters. I loved this story from beginning to end.

5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

A historical fiction told in two timelines that I read in one sitting, a mesmerizing and emotional read i highly recommend to any book lover

I loved this book. Through voices in a timeline, the author lets you feel the emotions of a very young lady who set out to defy her parents in a culture that she knew would ostracize her for it. And then she didn’t.

Blodeuedd and I did a joint review of this: http://www.caroleraesrandomramblings.com/2019/06/joint-review-woman-in-white-kimono-by_30.html

But overall, I did really this story. The beginning was so slow and it took forever for me to become invested. However, the last 1/3 of the story was worth the rest. Normally, I don't give that but the ending was soooo powerful and so important. I did cry. Yes, I admit it. It was sad. There was joy too, but mainly just sadness and sorrow. I do recommend reading this.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review, "The Woman in the White Kimono"
by Ana Johns. I have always been fascinated by Japanese history. In high school history classes, Japan is rarely mentioned. This work of historical fiction truly broke my heart. Within the first few pages, I was really invested. I love alternating timelines and chapters told from multiple perspectives. The story follows 17 year old Naoko Nakamura. A young woman whose family has pre-arranged a marriage for her with a good match. Naoko has already fallen for an American sailor. If Naoko were to marry this American man, it would bring much shame to not only her but her family. In modern America, Tori Kovac is carrying for her dying father. When her father passes away quicker than expected, she finds a letter that changes everything she thought she knew about her father. If you love historical fiction, I highly recommend this book!

Oh – I loved this beautifully written book about a young woman tracing the secret past of her family. I particularly liked the story of the past, with young, headstrong Naoko who is in love with an American. As always, redemption is a favorite theme of mine and this story was compelling, memorable, and touching.

Recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction!

Thank you for my review e-copy!

Johns' novel is a fascinating look at a time period in Japan in which a very traditional culture clashed with the wider world, and how that affected the women of the period. The author did an excellent job balancing the two timelines, and I was never quite sure where the story would go next.

Favorite Quotes:

Each step I took brought me closer to my future and farther away from my family. It was a contrast of extremes in every sense, but I had somehow found my place between them. That was what Buddha called the middle way. The correct balance of life. I called it happy. A life with love is happy. A life for love is foolish. A life of if only is unbearable. In my seventy-eight years, I have had all three.

“Chase two hares and you will catch neither,” says Grandmother. This is but a single parable in her arsenal of many. She releases them like arrows, but instead of one, which breaks with ease, she slings ten to a bundle.

I should hurry, but I’m already late, and as Grandmother says, “If you are going to eat poison, you may as well clean your plate.” I kick the gravel, causing angry puffs of loose dirt to rise in protest.

When I first met Hajime in Yokosuka, his eyes charmed me. They captured light and sparkled like water absorbing the sun.

To pick the correct one is fate. To pick the wrong one is also fate. So, you must choose your love, and be prepared to love your choice.

Time is a stubborn creature that delights in goading you. When happy, it sprouts wings and flies. When waiting, it drags through thick mud with heavy feet.


My Review:

Ana Johns is a bewitching storyteller. Her expertly crafted tale mesmerized and gutted me while essentially holding me transfixed to my Kindle from start to finish. How is this astounding work her first novel?!? I rarely cry but this poignantly written book moved me to tears several times and, okay, I will even confess to ugly cry sobbing. Any author who can perform such a rare fete deserves a ten-star rating.

The storylines were a well-researched blend of fact and fiction while cunningly related within brilliant and highly emotive narratives. I instantly fell right into Ms. John’s cleverly woven story as if sucked into a vortex that zipped me back and forth from post-war 1950s Japan and present-day USA - and thankfully did so with without jetlag, confusion, or motion sickness. The characters were compellingly drawn, admirable, and strong - yet struggling with limited choices and truly miserable options. I was intrigued, horrified, staggered, captivated, completely invested, heartbroken, enthralled, and totally engaged by this powerful and transportive story. It is safe to say that Ana Johns has a newly minted fangirl.

A beautifully told story set in Japan WWII, it truly swept me up into a stunningly eloquent telling of what can happen if we fall in love with the wrong person. The options for Japanese women during this time period were less than ideal and the trauma they experienced was eye opening. Another excellent historical fiction with an unusual backstory. I am in of the author’s poetic prose. I was totally captivated. Thanks to the author, publisher and Net Gallley for the ARC.

This is a dual-timeline story set in 1950s Japan and present-day America/Japan. Of the two, the "past" (Naoko's story) is far more compelling than the "present" (Tori's story) - although I think that was as intended. However, although the focus of the story was on Naoko, I felt somewhat disconnected from Tori and I think that could have been remedied with some additional back-story for her.

This was touching and compelling story and it was an emotional read for me – perhaps made more so by the fact that I finished it on Mother's Day. I suffered from a book hangover for several days after finishing it – always a sign of a good read! For fans of "contemporary" historical fiction, I highly recommend checking this one out.

*Advance copy provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*

#partner Thank you to @parkrowbooks for gifting me a free copy of The Woman in the White Kimono. This story is perfect for fans of Pachinko, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Asian literature in general. I read both books last year, and it sparked a love for books involving Asian culture. This book is based on heart-breaking true events, and while the story itself was heart-breaking too, it was also beautiful. As a mother, my heart ached for Naoko, who is forced to make unthinkable choices after she becomes pregnant with a baby by an American soldier. I couldn't imagine being in her shoes, and the reality she is faced with is not easy to stomach. Naoko lives in a society rooted in tradition, and her relationship with an American soldier is completely forbidden. Tori, the other main character in the story, sets out on a journey to discover the truth about her family after a letter from her father reveals shocking truths. Although Naoko and Tori's stories take place years apart, the two women are connected. The way that Johns connect their stories is stunning. I devoured this story because I simply had to know what happened to Naoko and her unborn baby. This is one of the stories that makes you think about what it is to love, and question what sacrifices you're willing to make for those you love. I cannot recommend this book enough. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥. 𝐄𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞. 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Ana Johns swept me away with her words and her stunning storytelling. Two women, two countries, thousands of miles and decades of years apart, but there is something that binds them. Japan 1957 Naoko finds herself caught between love, culture, and family obligations. Naoko is 17 and her parents have arranged a marriage for her, a marriage that will help her family’s business out immensely. The problem is Naoko is in love with another man, an American soldier. Not only does this not go over well with her family, but it does not go over well with most of Japan who still sees America as the enemy in this post WWII era. But Naoko is determined to follow her heart, but how much will she lose in the process? The US, present day Tori is taking care of her ailing father when she discovers a letter full of secrets. After her dad passes away she sells his beloved Cadillac and takes a journey to Japan to find out the truth.

Beautifully told, I was completely mesmerized by Miss Johns’ writing. I know I’ve mentioned this before in a review but I find the eastern culture fascinating and I am always excited to read about this part of the world. I truly had no idea there was so much hatred towards America in Japan after WWII, but why wouldn’t there be? I could only imagine how challenging this relationship was for Naoko, although I think she was a little naïve as to what all was implied. I found her to be a bit of a contradiction she was strong and feisty, but had the innocence of a child. What she went through was horrific, and it is incredible that I have read so many books that take place in so many different parts of the world where women are subjected to similar situations. The sad thing is I’d venture to guess things like this are still going on today in certain parts of the world. While I found Naoko’s story more compelling than Tori’s, tori’s story might have been the more important one. I like how the storylines were brought together, but it sure did not end how I was hoping it would. Although there is probably more truth in tragedy.

This was a bit of an up and down read for me. Don't get me wrong - this book is written very beautifully, with a boat load of research that went into it. It's just that there were some parts that sagged a little bit, such as the very slow set up and the split time between our two protagonists. I enjoy most split time narrative styles, but I thought that Tori's story was just tacked on in some spots.

The heart of the story is the treatment of women who fell for US soldiers and had interracial babies. The treatment that both the mothers and their children on both sides of the Pacific is an often overlooked and black mark on both countries. Johns does not paint either system in a great light, especially Naoko's xenophobic relatives. I did enjoy some of the usage of the Japanese words in the story, but they did get distracting -especially the constant switching of Okaasan and Otoosan with Mother and Father, respectively. It's a minor nitpick, but there were times where I was thinking "Just pick one!" I do hope it gets smoothed out in the published book.

Other than a pretty slow first act, and some nitpicky choices on the usage of the Japanese words verses the English, I thought this was a solid, bittersweet historical fiction fans. Recommended for fans of the genre who like to experience parts of history that are less well known in the US.

It was oh so easy to fall in love with this book!! Johns writes a wonderful, strong story in such a poetic, graceful way that she held me entranced from the first sentence to the last!

The story is told in the alternating voices of Naoko Nakamura in 1957 Japan, and Tori Kovac in present day America. Naoko is a 17 year old Japanese girl who is trying to avoid the marriage that her family has arranged to guarantee their standing in the community. Naoko, however, has fallen in love with an American soldier, a marriage which will bring her family shame and dishonor. She must choose between tradition and her family, and the American that she loves with all her heart, but who offers an uncertain future. When she chooses the American, her family casts her out and she faces hardships and impossible choices she could not have foreseen. Her decision(s) affects those around her decades to come.

Tori Kovac is watching over her father in the last days of his life. He reminds her of stories he has told her throughout her childhood, and gives her a letter before dying that he says will explain what he couldn't tell her. Upon reading the letter after his death, Tori feels compelled to go to Japan hoping to find the people he has talked about, seeking resolution between the father she has known all her life and the secrets he kept from his American family.

Deftly dealing with racism, traditional values versus new ways of thinking, inter-racial marriages (which resulted in war-brides who were not accepted in either their home country nor in America and the impacts to mixed-race children), loyalty, betrayal, raw emotions, forgiveness and reconciliation, Ms. Johns' beautiful prose and relatable characters bring this story to life.

The Woman in the White Kimono was a most wonderful read and one I won't soon forget. This book gets a 5 star review from me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Park Row for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Lovely dual time line/narrator story. Tori's dad has died, leaving her a letter and the news that she has a sister born in Japan while he was stationed there in 1957. Naoko, the woman he loved, tells her story from the moment she met Hajime through the pain of losing him. This isn't really historical fiction but the most intriguing half of it- Naoko's story-is enlightening and you'll learn something about post war Japan. It's also awfully sad in many ways. What comes through is Naoko's determination and strong will. She's a terrific character. No spoilers because although you might guess what's coming, Johns has done a good job of not telegraphing it. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read that kept me turning the pages.

The Woman in the White Kimono is a welcome addition to the ever burgeoning genre of women's historical fiction set in WWII and/or its aftermath. Unlike so many other of its contemporaries, it isn't set in Europe and instead spends a lot of time in Japan. Ana Johns clearly did her research and it shows, but never in a heavy handed way. Instead, she tells a thoughtful and very moving story and it is, hands down, one of the best historical fiction novels I've read in this genre in ages. I hope The Woman in the White Kimono finds the audience it deserves because it is very much worth reading!