Review
Different eyes and skin
Mock me from the mirror’s light
Enemy am I.
Enemy am I.
Rising
Sun, Falling Star is a fictional novel based on historical events. The story tells of racial prejudice towards
the Japanese people of America during World War ll. American Citizens of Japanese decent and
their families denied their constitutional rights are sent to internment camps
for the duration of the war. The novel
starts with the lives of one family in California, the Onishi's are like any
other family living in the United States. But the parents are Japanese nationals
and their children USA citizens. The
family, as other Japanese families, are made to leave their homes, businesses,
work, and schools and forced by the US government to live in 'Relocation
Centers'. Circumstances the families had
to tolerate are heartbreaking. The
amazing tolerance and indomitable characteristics of the internees is clear
throughout the book. Rising Sun, Falling
Star tells of love, forgiveness, hardship, and determination of ordinary
people.
In her
book, Rising Sun, Falling Star, Vickie Hall's respect and admiration for the
Japanese American people is obvious.
Vickie has carefully researched the events that transpired during World
War ll for those sent to internment camps, particularly Japanese. The Onishi family is a 'normal' American
family who lived the 'American Dream'.
Ken, the father, or Kenji- san, as his wife called him, was a business
owner. The children, born in the States,
at school and working. Their lives come to crashing halt after the bombing of
Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. The author
draws the reader into the story with the compelling characters. Meri, a fifteen
year old secondary school student enjoying life with her teenage friends,
becomes depressed and disconnected as time stretches out during internment. Her brothers, Jeff and Frank are both accepting
and defiant of their circumstances in different ways. Aiko, wife and mother of the family, is
determined to overcome the hardships and emotional upheaval. She is adamant that the family stay together
under the deplorable conditions. Whilst
Ken, husband and father is stoic throughout their internment. Vickie has told a story that is based on her
research from real life accounts. She
has dealt with these delicate and controversial events with respect and caring
for those who suffered.
The book
drew my attention as I am interested in reading World War ll stories. Most of my reading has been from the European
view point. When offered the book Rising
Sun, Falling Star to review, I did not think it was going to be of interest to
me. My plan was a quick scan of the
story and write a few words. Well, it
was not so. The author's ability to
create compelling fictitious characters and develop the story from facts and
history kept me reading. I commend Vickie
in her writing of extremely sensitive issues for the Americans and
Japanese. Her book is a real
'eye-opener' for readers who are interested in WWII, freedom, and civil
liberties.
About the Author
Vickie is a native of Utah, but growing up, lived in the states of
Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska. When she’s not writing, she’s
composing music, or shopping with her sister. She loves animals of all
kinds and camping with her family. Her favorite pastime is watching old
movies on TCM, and unashamedly has a crush on Cary Grant.
Links:
Excellent review, thank you.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
Glad you enjoyed the review Ingeborg.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Rising Sun, Falling Star. Sounds like a great book. evamillien at gmail dot com
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