In this evocative and thrilling epic novel, fifteen-year-old Yoshi Kobayashi, child of Japan’s New Empire, daughter of an ardent expansionist and a mother with a haunting past, is on her way home on a March night when American bombers shower her city with napalm—an attack that leaves one hundred thousand dead within hours and half the city in ashen ruins. In the days that follow, Yoshi’s old life will blur beyond recognition, leading her to a new world marked by destruction and shaped by those considered the enemy: Cam, a downed bomber pilot taken prisoner by the Imperial Japanese Army; Anton, a gifted architect who helped modernize Tokyo’s prewar skyline but is now charged with destroying it; and Billy, an Occupation soldier who arrives in the blackened city with a dark secret of his own. Directly or indirectly, each will shape Yoshi’s journey as she seeks safety, love, and redemption.
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| A captured American from a downed B-29 |
As far as favorite character, it is a toss-up
between Hana and Anton. Hana is glamorous, intelligent, but emotionally
complex. From the beginning it is clear her story will be marred by tragedy,
but I couldn't help being drawn to her, couldn't help hoping her story would have a happy ending. Then there is Anton. Other
characters are affected by the war, directly or indirectly, but no one else
suffers such emotional conflict and inner turmoil as the American architect
whose legacy is built into the Tokyo skyline. Neither Hana nor Anton is what I would call
admirable, but these flawed characters - the kind who aren't black and white, the kind who aren't easy to understand, the kind prone to very realistic failings - these are the kind that make great fiction.
But good characters are only the
beginning. For instance, I really loved how Epstein applied the six degrees of separation
concept in this piece. Her cast is divided by background and culture, but each
member plays an important role and represents something different in Yoshi's
journey. I've encountered the concept in fiction before, but rarely have I seen
it done with such artistry and depth as I found here.
Before I close, I'd like to offer a word
of caution to more sensitive readers. The Gods of Heavenly Punishment is a work
of historic fiction and Epstein is one of those admirable writers who isn't
intimidated by period appropriate terminology. Personally I admire Epstein's
candor, but for those who are less inclined to appreciate her dedication to
historical accuracy, consider yourself warned as this book utilizes language
considered both inappropriate and offensive in the modern age.
The Gods of Heavenly Punishment tackles
some heavy subject matter (infidelity, post-traumatic stress disorder,
prejudice, war crimes, etc.), but in the end the book is a beautiful story
about survival, hope, and the courage it takes to pick up the pieces and forge
ahead.
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"In times like these, people you think you know can become strangers, or even monsters. From now on - from this moment on - you must only think, first and foremost, of protecting yourself. No else matters..."
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Check out all the stops On Jennifer Cody Epstein's The Gods of Heavenly Punishment virtual book tour
Tuesday, June 25
Review at Kinx’s Book Nook
Review & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Review at Kinx’s Book Nook
Review & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
3 comments:
I am so glad you loved this book too! I thought it was an exceptional read!
Great review.
Thank you Tara
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