Rising Sun, Falling Star - Review & Blog Tour

Review 

Different eyes and skin

Mock me from the mirror’s light
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:

Blog * Website
Facebook * Goodreads

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