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Early June 2006 A Christmas gift from my loving, book-addict Mother.
This book is realistic Drama. I don't know if it's a true story... but is certainly could be one. (I know that saying so is redundant, but with all the fiction that I read, especially Science fiction, this aspect sticks out for me.) What interests me at this moment though, is that it was made into a film. I've read the book, but it's not something that seems like an obvious candidate for filming to me.
It's well written, and is in favour of forgetting stereotypes, and racial discrimination. It has love in it too, but the main body of the book is a Murder Mystery; There's a man found dead, and everyone comes to suspect this one Japanese immigrant. (Not truly an immigrant: the child born to two immigrant parents.)
One of the strengths of this book is the people within the pages; They are alive, and unique. -At least, that's the effect the author achieves by giving us frequent insight into their thoughts and feelings. Another thing that I liked in this book is it's setting; On a smallish island, very close to my home town. I can identify with the weather, with the people, with the culture, and with the landscape.
Anything else? The scenes of war, and the thoughts of the people who were there are disturbing... or at least unpleasant. But, I suppose that this could be the response desired by the writer. It's not a bad book to read... to pass the time.