Amazing read. I simply adore the writing style, and the story itself was beyond beautiful (I definitely shed a few tears).

This novel is inspired by the true-to-life story of a young Korean woman who defied all odds and overcame poverty, patriarchy, and the racism that threatened to shatter her dreams and destroy her spirit.

Miyoung's story is marked by heartache and loss, and this profound sadness is so palpable that I, as a reader, found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her until the very end!

I loved that she's a woman who refuses to give up and she's loyal to those she loves. This wasn't easy, especially given the challenging circumstances of the story's setting in 1928, during Japan's occupation of Korea. Amidst rising anti-Korean sentiment, Koreans residing in Kyoto were forced to conceal their true identities, learn to speak the Japanese language flawlessly, and adopt Japanese names to avoid arousing suspicion and secure employment.

Midway through the book, I felt the pacing slow down and some parts felt repetitive, but despite that, I found it to be a satisfying read on the whole.

Some parts of this book reminded me of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko. So if you have enjoyed that book, you'll love White Mulberry.

ARC Review: *White Mulberry* by Rosa Kwon Easton

Rating: 5/5🌟

*White Mulberry* by Rosa Kwon Easton is an evocative and deeply moving tale that paints a rich portrait of a young Korean woman navigating the complexities of identity, love, and survival in 1930s Japan. This beautifully written novel is a poignant exploration of resilience and the human spirit, set against the backdrop of historical turmoil.

The story follows Miyoung, an eleven-year-old girl from a small farming village in Japanese-occupied Korea, who dreams of a life beyond the confines of her traditional upbringing. When an opportunity arises to live with her older sister in Japan and continue her education, Miyoung eagerly seizes it, despite the painful decision to leave her ailing mother and her Korean identity behind.

In Japan, Miyoung adopts a new name, Miyoko, to blend in and avoid the rising anti-Korean sentiment. Her journey from an aspiring teacher to a dedicated nurse is fraught with challenges as she grapples with the loss of her cultural identity and the need to survive in a hostile environment. The depiction of her struggle to maintain her sense of self while adopting a new identity is heart-wrenching and compelling.

Rosa Kwon Easton’s portrayal of Miyoung's inner conflict is masterful. The protagonist’s fear of losing her true self is palpable, and her search for solace and belonging leads her to a Korean church group, where she discovers a surprising romance with an activist. This relationship not only rekindles her passion and sense of purpose but also brings forth a cherished son, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.

The historical context of the novel is meticulously researched and vividly depicted, immersing readers in the era’s social and political tensions. As World War II looms and the pressures of her adopted home intensify, Miyoung faces a life-altering choice that tests her courage and determination. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of her decisions resonates profoundly.

Easton's writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the nuances of Miyoung’s experiences and the cultural landscapes she navigates. The themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally engaging.

*White Mulberry* is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-identity and belonging. It’s a story that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned, offering a poignant reminder of the resilience required to forge one's path in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, *White Mulberry* by Rosa Kwon Easton is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that offers a powerful glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of history. With its richly developed characters, immersive setting, and compelling storyline, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories of identity and resilience.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy deeply moving historical fiction that explores complex themes with grace and authenticity.

It is 1930, Korea is under Japan’s control, and prejudice against Korean people is worsening by the day. 13-year-old Miyoung is forced to leave her home in Pyongyang to move to Japan, where she can continue her education and escape an arranged marriage. Once in Kyoto, Miyoung must disguise herself as Japanese, hiding her Korean identity in order to avoid mistreatment and gain employment. As tensions rise between her old and new home countries, and her personal life becomes increasingly complicated, Miyoung is confronted with the misfortune of being a poor, Korean female in a country which doesn’t accept her.

This is a story of a strong, resilient young woman determined to find hope in a life of heartbreak and loss. I felt deep sadness for Miyoung throughout this novel, and was rooting for her right through to the end. For me, this was a novel led by its plot; I did not feel a connection to the characters for their personas per se but rather their stories and the challenges they had to overcome. The novel made me feel deeply appreciative of the opportunities available to me as a woman living in 2024 England; it is so easy to forget that education, employment, and the freedom to choose are all privileges that I would not have had if born in another time and place. Thank you to Rosa Kwon Easton for reminding me of this, and for celebrating the bravery, resilience and determination of 1930s Korean women who were given so much less, yet continued to strive for more.

Historical fiction books have been very popular the past few years. White Mulberry is a book that fits right in that genre. It was a very moving story set in wartime Korea.

Just finished this book as a light summer read… so good! Fans of Kristin Hannah and Lisa See will really enjoy this book. I’d recently learned of relational dynamics between Korean and Japanese people and was interested to learn more which is why I got this book. The end felt just a little rushed but I couldn’t wait to learn how it all unfolded. Don’t skip the author’s note at the end; made me feel even more connected and grateful to have read this story.

The storyline was interesting. However, the plot through its writing style was not convincing for me: many repetitions, the thoughts and dialogues felt clumsy and not really well rendered. The blurb mentioned a return to Korea with psychological challenges (which sounded interesting), but the novel ended a bit too abruptly for me...
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

The incredible journey of a young Korean girl that moved to Japan in the 1930’s. Navigating a new country, new language, new religion and facing deeply integrated racism, Miyoung is full of hopes, dreams and determination.

This book was beautifully written and truly heartbreaking. Miyoung’s story was equal parts tragic and fascinating. Her character had an unbelievable amount of resilience to achieve the things she did in the face of oppression and racism and I couldn’t stop reading.

At the end of the book, understanding this novel was based off the own authors family and heritage really took this book to a whole new level. Truly inspiring!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.