The Strangeness of Beauty

Author: Lydia Minatoya

Summary: A novel about family, love, culture, war, finding oneself. This book explores the lives of three generations of women, Japanese and American, through the I-story of Etsuko. Etsuko returns to her samurai mother's home with her motherless niece in pre-World War II Japan. The three have strained relationships and face even harder times. How can they reclaim their family? Their heritage? Their peace?

Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend this book! It is not a "casual" read, but takes much time and thought to process. The style is very different from a "western" novel, and the history takes some research, but the universal themes are rich indeed. Read it to understand better the beauty of Japan, of families, and of love.

Hearts: 4