Fascinating story that takes the reader into Japan from pre WWII through the dropping of the bombs and on to their recovery. The authors descriptions help the reader invision the surroundings (both beautiful and ravaged) and feel the emotions of the characters. There are a couple of things that happen in the book that don't seem to have any effect on the story yet that is how life is ... some things just happen and we move on. I enjoyed learning about Sumo wrestling, Japanese Theater and gardens, and a little about Geisha's. I would definately read another book by this author!

This was an interesting story that takes place in Japan from pre-WWII to the mid-60s. The story skips around in time a little bit and there are quite of few Japanese terms used through out the story, which wasn't a bad thing but I found that I got confused sometimes as to who was who and what some of the terms meant. I did learn a lot about Sumo wrestling, Noh Theater and the effects of the bombs on Japan on the lives of the typical Japanese family. I enjoyed learning more about aspects of the Japanese culture that I knew nothing about before. Overall, it thought it was a good read. My reading group had a lively and interesting conversation about this one because several members were alive during the war or right after it and they had interesting insights and memories that the book brought out.