You know how sometimes when you finish a book, you struggle to find the words to describe it?
That happens as I think of Until The Red Leaves Fall.

There was just so much to love about this story. So much depth, heartbreak, hope and love, that I’m really struggling to begin my review.
I guess I’ll start by trying to sum up the synopsis without spoiling it.

It follows Emmy Darling (Emiko Tanaka) an Australian born Japanese woman, who wishes to write, rather than fill the role of housewife and mother with an Australian Playwright. She’s finally given an opportunity to follow her passion when Virginia van Belle offers her a contract to write her latest play. Finally Emmy is given the stage to tell her family’s story, but just as Emmy begins to feel seen for who she is and what she’s lived through, the plot twists and turns, her life unravelling around her. Right at this moment we learn one last truth about her time in the Internment Camp that is truly heartbreaking, leading us to a grand finale.

I feel like nothing l can say will properly give this book justice. It’s just perfect, and I simply loved reading it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is definitely best seller material!

A beautiful and original book set in Melbourne in the late 1950s. I’ll admit it took me a little to get into this book, because there were some fairly unlikeable characters and I wasn’t enjoying how the main character was being treated. But as she found new friends, a new purpose and new love, and shared more of her story of being in an internment camp during WWII.

Highly recommended.

Another stunning novel from Alli Parker!
We follow Emiko in 2 timelines, her time in the internment camps, and her life afterwards. You wanna shake her shoulders sometimes for the decisions she makes, but ultimately, you understand why she’s making them. The racism reeks from the ‘supporting’ cast and it genuinely made me see red at a few points. The way I gasped!!
I loved Emiko’s development from start to finish. It’s always heartwarming to see a character dig themselves into a deeper whole with supposed ‘friends’ helping to bury them, but then still come out at the top in the end. Emiko’s journey of self-acceptance, finding true love, and putting her wants, needs, and happiness first was beautiful to see flourish. I’m super keen for whatever Parker decides to write next!! I just know it’s gonna tug my heartstrings.

✅️ Intersectional storytelling
✅️ Based on some truth
✅️ Engaging read

After At the Foot of the Cherry Tree became one of my favourite reads last year, I was excited to get my hands on an advance copy of Alli Parker’s newest novel (thank you @harpercollinsau!). Even more so because it was my first ever Netgalley approval!

This powerful story follows Emiko Tanaka, a Japanese Australian girl born in Australia, who was arrested and sent to an internment camp at just eight years old during World War II—simply because of her family’s heritage. Told across two timelines, the novel explores how that trauma echoes through her life.

Without giving too much away, the sense of place in this book is phenomenal. I was completely swept into the world of The Lough and the vibrant, layered life of the performing arts scene - it felt utterly alive on the page.

The characters are rich and full of depth, and I was rooting for Emmy from the very first chapter. Her search for truth and justice is so compelling, I couldn’t look away.

This is another standout from @alliparkerauthor. My favourite books are the ones that teach me and move me - and this one delivered both in spades.

Perfect for fans of historical fiction, gripping adventures, and stories with a strong intersectional lens.

Out 29 July: preorder it now!

Wow. I absolutely loved this story! I have to admit that I was a bit worried about reading a story about the entertainment industry because it’s really not my cup of tea, but the way Ali weaves her stories through something as simple as writing a play is absolutely incredible. She’s one of the very few historical fiction authors I read.

I wouldn’t say this one was as intensely emotional as her first novel, but it shows hidden racism very well. Treading on Japanese-Australians to get ahead, telling them they aren’t “Japanese” enough. It’s really eye opening to get insight into these worlds as someone who really doesn’t know enough about history at all.

Ali is a phenomenal author, and I will read anything she puts out because not only is she’s amazing at telling a story, she pulls from personal experience and I feel as though that helps to know her a little bit better, and her trials through life as someone who is of Japanese-Australian heritage.

Incredible book, thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

This stunning novel explores concepts around multiculturalism, identity and romance (including queer representation).
I loved the strong female lead and the elements of Emiko endeavouring to make something of herself, outside of the typical roles she was expected to fulfil as a 1950s wife.
Alli Parker developed strong characters who were valuable to the storyline in their own ways.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced reader copy.

Loved ‘At the Foot of the Cherry Tree’ and was really looking forward to reading Parker’s next novel. Didn’t disappoint. A heartwarming story with well developed characters. The story covers a significant chapter in Australian history, the internment of Australian-born Japanese men, women and children.

Fans of historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories of strong women and slow-burn romance, will find Until the Red Leaves Fall an unforgettable read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a preview copy.

Thank you Netgalley for the eArc!

This was my first book by this author! I absolutely loved it. It's great to get outside of my main genres and this book kept me wanting to read it

I was lucky enough to be granted my request to read Until The Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker.
Through Emmy's voice Alli Parker covers some big issues in a sensitive & respectful manner.
The book is very aptly described as Historical fiction, multicultural interest & romance...I would also
add discovery of self and identification as Emmy grapples with both these throughout the story.
The author has clearly researched her topic & backs this up through Emmy's voice throughout.
I would highly recommend this beautiful story.