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A review by nadiamasood
White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This is a novel 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.
I secured a digital e-ARC of this book from Netgalley.
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.
I secured a digital e-ARC of this book from Netgalley.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent