"White Mulberry" delves deeply into the story of Suhr Miyoung, who, after moving to Japan to further her education and escape the marriage that her father had arranged for her, had to change her name to Haramoto Miyoko and the way she dresses and behaves in order to fit in, hoping that the Japanese would treat her as an equal.

The story begins in the early 1930s, when Miyoung's half sister, Baobeh, is married off and goes to live with her husband in Japan. Her mother, who wanted Miyoung to have an education so she wouldn't be scammed like she was, persuaded her father to let her finish primary school and postpone plans of marrying her off, but her father thought education was pointless for daughters and found her a match whom she was set to marry after graduating from primary school. After learning that the groom chosen by her father was a bully in her school, she worked hard and poured all her time and energy into her studies in hopes of receiving a recommendation letter that might convince her father to allow her to continue her education in a middle school in Pyongyang. She ended up getting a recommendation letter from her teacher, but because sending her to a middle school in Pyongyang costs money and the Western school that the missionaries planned to build in her town will not be open by the time she starts middle school, she was sent to Japan to live with Baobeh and her husband, where she could continue to study for free. Realizing how badly the Koreans are treated in Japan, she had to conceal her identity and claim to be Japanese in order to avoid being tormented at school and to get a job so she could send money to her mother in Korea, who became ill not long after she left.

The novel’s strength lies in its nuanced depiction of the harsh reality of immigrants and the difficulties of adapting to a new culture and identity while retaining one's own. The story looks thoroughly into Miyoung's sacrifices to live and be accepted in Japan, all while pursuing an education that her mother desired for her.

The eye-catching colors on the cover caught my attention and the synopsis piqued my interest which is why I decided to read the book. I appreciated getting to know Miyoung, her story and the people around her. The first few chapters were a bit slow, but the pace picked up at the 20% mark. The ending, on the other hand, felt rushed and abrupt, which is why I only gave it a 4 star because I felt like I didn't get closure on the situation between Miyoung and her father. Overall, "White Mulberry" is a compelling read that I recommend especially to those who enjoyed Asian historical fictions books such as "Pachinko", "The Mountains Sing" and "Daughters of Shandong".

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC in return for my honest and unbiased review.

Thanks netgalley. Unfortunately this one isn't for me.
Beautiful cover and story though. I tried to get into it but couldn't finish.

I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction books centered around Asian culture. I definitely agree with another reviewer about those who like Lisa See novels, potentially liking this book too. Miyoung’s story was beautifully told, I loved the detailing and the language. So many cultural details that really helped bring life into the story. I found myself crying alongside her in sad times and feeling elated when she was successful in her wishes.

I wish the Korean and Japanese phrases used could have also included the Hangul and Kanji/hiragana symbols.If not in line perhaps in a glossary. I also think there were some pacing issues midway through the book too. I wish there were more fleshed out bits for her story. That it was a bit longer in some places. I would be curious to read this as a non-fiction telling of her grandmother’s story.

Based on a true story, White Mulberry follows the story of a young girl living in occupied Korea. Forced to move to Japan to continue her education and escape an unwanted marriage, Miyoung must navigate love and loss, freedom and persecution in a country that promises her a future in exchange for rejecting her past.

Easton draws from the stories of her family to paint a picture of Korea during a period seldom talked about. Set between 1928 and 1943, the impact of Japan's growing military efforts in the war is felt deeply by those under occupation. Rich in historical and cultural details the novel brings to light the hardships endured by Koreans both living at home and in Japan, whilst acknowledging the community and sense of identity people were able to preserve in the most unlikely circumstances.

Peppered with traditional Korean and Japanese phrases along with detailed descriptions of authentic dishes, cultural practices and historic events, Easton painted an immersive picture of life in both Korea and Japan that draws the reader in. Unfortunately this attention to detail didn't extend to the dialogue which felt stilted and lacked finesse. As a result I found it difficult to create an emotional connection to the characters. The novel suffered from a 'show me don't tell me dilemma' wherein we were told about the protagonists feelings and thoughts on a situation, rather being shown them through storytelling. In some places it felt like a recitation of events rather than a novel, perhaps because -as Easton explains - it is a fictionalised account of her own grandmothers life. I'm left wondering if the book would have fared better as a biographical account of events rather than a novel.

Easton's writing is so poetic and I loved reading this book. Following Miyoung's story was interesting and kept me engaged thought-out the story. I highly recommend this book

I'll admit that this kind of historical fiction rarely works with me, but now and then I keep trying. PACHINKO did, so I was kind of hoping this could work somehow, too.
But not really, unfortunately. I was intrigued at first, engaged with the protagonist's journey and storyline, but then it all fell flat to me. Maybe it's because I didn't clique with the writing. Maybe because I'm simply not in the mood for such a book.
All I can say is that I'm sure other readers will love this novel.

Have you ever wanted to pluck a character from a book and personally protect them from harm? Because that's exactly how I felt about Miyoung. I knew Korea was under Japan's control at one point but seeing the conflict as it happens in real time from the perspective of a girl, who we see grow into a woman, was eye opening and brilliantly done. The racism was so disgusting that I had to take breaks while reading this book because it was so heartbreaking. This book will be going on my list of favorites for sure.

Amazing read. I simply adore the writing style, and the story itself was beyond beautiful (I definitely shed a few tears).

This novel is inspired by the true-to-life story of a young Korean woman who defied all odds and overcame poverty, patriarchy, and the racism that threatened to shatter her dreams and destroy her spirit.

Miyoung's story is marked by heartache and loss, and this profound sadness is so palpable that I, as a reader, found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her until the very end!

I loved that she's a woman who refuses to give up and she's loyal to those she loves. This wasn't easy, especially given the challenging circumstances of the story's setting in 1928, during Japan's occupation of Korea. Amidst rising anti-Korean sentiment, Koreans residing in Kyoto were forced to conceal their true identities, learn to speak the Japanese language flawlessly, and adopt Japanese names to avoid arousing suspicion and secure employment.

Midway through the book, I felt the pacing slow down and some parts felt repetitive, but despite that, I found it to be a satisfying read on the whole.

Some parts of this book reminded me of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko. So if you have enjoyed that book, you'll love White Mulberry.

ARC Review: *White Mulberry* by Rosa Kwon Easton

Rating: 5/5🌟

*White Mulberry* by Rosa Kwon Easton is an evocative and deeply moving tale that paints a rich portrait of a young Korean woman navigating the complexities of identity, love, and survival in 1930s Japan. This beautifully written novel is a poignant exploration of resilience and the human spirit, set against the backdrop of historical turmoil.

The story follows Miyoung, an eleven-year-old girl from a small farming village in Japanese-occupied Korea, who dreams of a life beyond the confines of her traditional upbringing. When an opportunity arises to live with her older sister in Japan and continue her education, Miyoung eagerly seizes it, despite the painful decision to leave her ailing mother and her Korean identity behind.

In Japan, Miyoung adopts a new name, Miyoko, to blend in and avoid the rising anti-Korean sentiment. Her journey from an aspiring teacher to a dedicated nurse is fraught with challenges as she grapples with the loss of her cultural identity and the need to survive in a hostile environment. The depiction of her struggle to maintain her sense of self while adopting a new identity is heart-wrenching and compelling.

Rosa Kwon Easton’s portrayal of Miyoung's inner conflict is masterful. The protagonist’s fear of losing her true self is palpable, and her search for solace and belonging leads her to a Korean church group, where she discovers a surprising romance with an activist. This relationship not only rekindles her passion and sense of purpose but also brings forth a cherished son, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.

The historical context of the novel is meticulously researched and vividly depicted, immersing readers in the era’s social and political tensions. As World War II looms and the pressures of her adopted home intensify, Miyoung faces a life-altering choice that tests her courage and determination. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of her decisions resonates profoundly.

Easton's writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the nuances of Miyoung’s experiences and the cultural landscapes she navigates. The themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally engaging.

*White Mulberry* is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-identity and belonging. It’s a story that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned, offering a poignant reminder of the resilience required to forge one's path in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, *White Mulberry* by Rosa Kwon Easton is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that offers a powerful glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of history. With its richly developed characters, immersive setting, and compelling storyline, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in stories of identity and resilience.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy deeply moving historical fiction that explores complex themes with grace and authenticity.

It is 1930, Korea is under Japan’s control, and prejudice against Korean people is worsening by the day. 13-year-old Miyoung is forced to leave her home in Pyongyang to move to Japan, where she can continue her education and escape an arranged marriage. Once in Kyoto, Miyoung must disguise herself as Japanese, hiding her Korean identity in order to avoid mistreatment and gain employment. As tensions rise between her old and new home countries, and her personal life becomes increasingly complicated, Miyoung is confronted with the misfortune of being a poor, Korean female in a country which doesn’t accept her.

This is a story of a strong, resilient young woman determined to find hope in a life of heartbreak and loss. I felt deep sadness for Miyoung throughout this novel, and was rooting for her right through to the end. For me, this was a novel led by its plot; I did not feel a connection to the characters for their personas per se but rather their stories and the challenges they had to overcome. The novel made me feel deeply appreciative of the opportunities available to me as a woman living in 2024 England; it is so easy to forget that education, employment, and the freedom to choose are all privileges that I would not have had if born in another time and place. Thank you to Rosa Kwon Easton for reminding me of this, and for celebrating the bravery, resilience and determination of 1930s Korean women who were given so much less, yet continued to strive for more.

Historical fiction books have been very popular the past few years. White Mulberry is a book that fits right in that genre. It was a very moving story set in wartime Korea.

Just finished this book as a light summer read… so good! Fans of Kristin Hannah and Lisa See will really enjoy this book. I’d recently learned of relational dynamics between Korean and Japanese people and was interested to learn more which is why I got this book. The end felt just a little rushed but I couldn’t wait to learn how it all unfolded. Don’t skip the author’s note at the end; made me feel even more connected and grateful to have read this story.

The storyline was interesting. However, the plot through its writing style was not convincing for me: many repetitions, the thoughts and dialogues felt clumsy and not really well rendered. The blurb mentioned a return to Korea with psychological challenges (which sounded interesting), but the novel ended a bit too abruptly for me...
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

The incredible journey of a young Korean girl that moved to Japan in the 1930’s. Navigating a new country, new language, new religion and facing deeply integrated racism, Miyoung is full of hopes, dreams and determination.

This book was beautifully written and truly heartbreaking. Miyoung’s story was equal parts tragic and fascinating. Her character had an unbelievable amount of resilience to achieve the things she did in the face of oppression and racism and I couldn’t stop reading.

At the end of the book, understanding this novel was based off the own authors family and heritage really took this book to a whole new level. Truly inspiring!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.