Books matching: japanese occupation
43 result(s)
- #1
Save:'When My Name Was Keoko' by Linda Sue Park is a historical fiction novel set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in World War II. The story follows two siblings, Sun Hee and Tae Yul, as they navigate the challenges of living under Japanese rule and strive to maintain their Korean identity. Through alternating perspectives, the author brings to life the struggles of a Korean family trying to preserve their culture and dignity amidst the turmoil of war. The book spans five years, offering a poignant portrayal of sacrifice, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Linda Sue Park's writing style is described as descriptive and engaging, effectively capturing the emotions of the characters and the historical context of the time period. The book provides insights into Korean culture, customs, and the impact of Japanese domination on the Korean people. Readers of all ages, from young readers to adults, are drawn into the story that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history with a mix of suspense, pathos, and a satisfying ending.
Four years ago the Olympics took place in Europe. It was so exciting. My family crowded around the radio each night to hear about the competitions. Tae-yul and the other older boys made hurdles in the... - #2
Save:'The Calligrapher's Daughter' by Eugenia Kim is a historical fiction novel set in early 20th century Korea during the Japanese occupation. The story follows Najin Han, a strong and headstrong young woman from a privileged family, as she navigates the challenges of tradition, family loyalty, and personal growth amidst the political turmoil of her time. Through almost half a century, readers witness Najin's journey from childhood to womanhood, her struggles with cultural expectations, and her determination to shape her own destiny despite the constraints imposed by society.
I LEARNED I HAD NO NAME ON THE SAME DAY I LEARNED FEAR. UNTIL that day, I had answered to Baby, Daughter or Child, so for the first five years of my life hadn’t known I ought to have a name. Nor did I... - #3
Save:Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim is a poignant and immersive novel that delves into the lives of various characters amidst the backdrop of Korea during the Japanese occupation and World War II. The story follows characters like Jade Ahn, a young girl sold to a courtesan school, and JungHo, an orphan boy involved in the fight for independence, as their destinies intertwine over five decades. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on themes of unrequited love, dire poverty, and the resilience of the Korean people during a turbulent period in history.
ON A DAY HOVERING BETWEEN WINTER AND SPRING, THE CUSP OF warmth just visible on the glistening ice, a woman and a girl walked ten miles of country road where tender green shoots were coming up like ey... - #4
Save:'When the Future Comes Too Soon' by Selina Siak Chin Yoke is a historical fiction novel set during the Japanese invasion of Malaya during World War II. The story follows Mei Foong, the daughter-in-law of the protagonist in the first book, as she navigates the challenges of keeping her family afloat in a time of high inflation and uncertainty. delves into the struggles faced by ordinary people, the cultural clashes, and the impact of war on the lives of the Malaysian people.
The narrative style of the book is praised for its depiction of the hardships faced by the characters, particularly Mei Foong, and how they navigate through the difficult times of Japanese occupation. provides insights into the complex relationships between family members, the societal norms of the time, and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity.
(Also, see 46 recommendations for the series Malayan ) - #5
Save:'The Language of Threads' is a sequel to 'Women of the Silk' by Gail Tsukiyama, following the journey of Pei and Ji Shen as they escape to Hong Kong during the Japanese invasion of China. The book delves into the struggles and triumphs of these women as they navigate life in Hong Kong under Japanese occupation, highlighting themes of friendship, love, and loyalty. The story is set against the backdrop of historical events such as the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and the challenges faced by women during that tumultuous time. The writing style is described as vivid and sensory, painting a detailed picture of the characters' lives and the historical context in which they exist.
Pei glanced down into the dark, glassy water of Hong Kong harbor and suddenly felt shy and wordless. She saw herself as a child again, whom, at the age of eight, her father had taken to the girls’ hou...
(Also, see 13 recommendations for the series Women of the Silk ) - #6
Save:Grass is a graphic memoir that delves into the harrowing experiences of Lee Ok sun, a Korean woman who was forced to be a comfort woman for the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. The book portrays Okseon Lee's journey from her tough childhood filled with poverty and responsibilities beyond her age to the traumatic moment when she becomes a sexual slave. Through an interview style, the author, Keum Suk Gendry Kim, provides an unbiased report of the cruel reality faced by Korean women under Japanese occupation, highlighting the themes of war atrocities, resilience, and the fight for justice and restitution.
Grass is a poignant narrative that sheds light on the often overlooked history of Korean comfort women and the atrocities they endured during wartime. The book captures the struggles of women like Lee Ok sun, who faced kidnapping, abuse, and rape in a time of war and imperialism. Through hauntingly beautiful artwork and a compelling storyline, Grass weaves together themes of trauma, survival, and the quest for dignity and acknowledgment, offering a powerful and honest portrayal of a dark chapter in history.
- #7
Save:Set in post-WWII Malaya, "The Garden of Evening Mists" follows Yun Ling Teoh, a survivor of a Japanese internment camp, who seeks solace and healing in a Japanese garden created by Nakamura Aritomo. The narrative explores themes of memory, war, forgiveness, and the impact of historical events on personal lives, weaving together intricate storylines of complex characters and relationships in a non-linear storytelling style.
The historian has arrived precisely at the appointed time, and I wonder if he has heard of how I dealt with advocates who appeared late in my court. Ah Cheong shows him to the verandah a few minutes l... Daughters of the Dragon: A Comfort Woman's Story by William Andrews is a riveting historical fiction novel that delves into the tragic events of the conscription of young Asian women by the Japanese Imperial Army to become comfort women during World War II. The story follows the lives of two Korean teenagers, Jae Hee and Soo Hee, as they endure beatings, multiple rapes, and degradation. The narrative spans through the major events of Korean history, highlighting the horrors of the Imperial Japanese government and the lasting impact on the characters' lives. The book weaves a tale of undying love, courage, and the struggle for survival amidst the atrocities of war.
The writing style of the book is captivating and immersive, drawing readers in from the opening pages and keeping them engaged throughout. The characters are vividly portrayed, evoking strong emotions and empathy from the readers. The author skillfully blends fiction with documented true events, shedding light on a dark chapter of history that many may not be familiar with. Daughters of the Dragon is a poignant and thought-provoking story that sheds light on the resilience and strength of women who endured unimaginable suffering during wartime.
- #9
Save:The Last Time I Saw Mother by Arlene J. Chai is a novel that delves into the complex relationships within a Filipino family, particularly focusing on the mother-daughter dynamics. The story is set against the backdrop of World War II in the Philippines, intertwining personal family narratives with the historical events of the time. The writing style is described as quiet and introspective, with multiple narrators providing insights into their experiences during the war and its aftermath.
- #10
Save:"White Chrysanthemum" by Mary Lynn Bracht follows the story of two Korean sisters, Hana and Emi, during different time periods. Hana, a haenyo female sea diver, is captured by a Japanese soldier during WWII and forced to become a comfort woman. The narrative is heart-wrenching, exploring themes of strength, independence, love, and tragedy. Emi's storyline in present-day South Korea reveals her quest to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance, intertwining historical details with emotional struggles.
Hana is sixteen and knows nothing but a life lived under occupation. Japan annexed Korea in 1910, and Hana speaks fluent Japanese, is educated in Japanese history and culture, and is prohibited from s...
