Thank you NetGalley for this beautiful book. I’m late to reviewing, but man, not as late as other books I have 🤦🏻‍♂️ that cover is gorgeous. I’ve always been drawn to Asian literature. Beautiful book.

(rounded up from 3.5 stars)

I'm delayed in writing this review, but I think that makes me appreciate the title even more, weirdly enough. There were times when I was reading it that it felt a little too simplistic in its writing but now I think that adds to the story more than I originally gave it credit. I appreciate the way it brings the reader into the broken world of Korea under the Japanese ruling period and that what felt a bit clumsy at the time of reading feels honest now--a character trying to find her way in fits and starts and under restrictions she wanted so badly to buck against. It also adds in that it feels like a Korean-to-English and the worlds in between. The yearning to learn and explore, while not upsetting family heritage and hierarchy can be readily recognized across generations (of characters and readers both), as well as the pull to be more in place of the expectations placed upon you by where you're born and the family you're born (or married) into. Beautiful sensory details as well in this one.

My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my (so sorry, delayed!) honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing company for this Advanced Readers Copy of White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton!

Unfortunately I didn't manage to read the book within the required time period, the premise does sound interesting and I love the colors of the cover

“Go on. Tell him how Korea has a history, even though the Japanese say we don’t.”

if there is one thing i took away from “white mulberry”, it’s that every occupying state is fundamentally the same.

the novel, inspired by the life of easton’s own grandmother, follows miyoung—a young girl from a small village in korea who attempts to escape her predetermined life path of a wife and a mother by moving to live with her older sister in japan. spanning over a decade, it’s a story of both personal and national struggle, of finding one’s identity as a person in a land that was altered by force.

the descriptions of persecution (both ethnic and religious), the use of koreans essentially as fodder for the war, the hardships of women seeking better life prospects were the aspects that pulled me in the most. miyoung’s life is rifled with tragedy and loss, yet there is always hope to cling to. the interpersonal conflicts felt compelling and you could tell a good amount of thorough research was put into portraying the society of japan and occupied korea in the 30s and 40s, as well as miyoung’s career of choice—nursing and, further down the line, midwifery.

unfortunately, i found the writing style very lacklustre. it worked better in the earlier chapters, where miyoung was still a young girl, but as she aged up, it was not very compelling. her self doubts felt repetitive, and some of her lucky chances appeared too lucky. overall, it felt more like a young adult novel despite being shelved as adult.

nevertheless, “white mulberry” is an insightful look into life under occupation and the persistence of one woman despite the whole world standing in her way.

In this beautiful historical fiction novel of 1928 Japan-occupied Korea and prewar Japan, readers follow Miyoung and her big dreams of becoming a teacher and choosing her future. When her older sister, who lives in Japan, offers housing and a chance to continue her education, Miyoung accepts even though it means leaving her mother and her name and Korean identity behind. Exploring the anti-Korean sentiment of early twentieth century Japan, Miyoung and the readers must navigate this cultural struggle every day in Kyoto as she grows up, finds love, and sees a new war develop, potentially impacting her future. With a fantastic series of characters and incredible historical detail, this novel is complex, immersive, and absolutely fascinating. The emotional strength of Miyoung’s struggles with her families, identity, and dreams is really moving and deeply emotional, and readers will resonate with the emotional conflicts present throughout the novel. Miyoung herself is an enjoyable narrator who is complex and unique, inspired by Easton’s grandmother, and readers will deeply sympathize with her story. With so much incredible historical detail and fascinating, complex characters and conflicts, this is a brilliant insight into interwar Korea and Japan and the conflicts and challenges within these societies brought to life in this fantastic new novel.

While I found the author’s writing style engaging and enjoyable, I struggled to connect with the main character, Miyoung, on a deeper level.

I am by no means an expert of Japanese history, but some historical details, such as the mention of high-speed trains, left me questioning their accuracy in the context of 1930s Japan.

I also feel unsatisfied with the story’s abrupt ending, which left me with more unresolved questions.

This is my first arc that I finished and not quite expected I could like it.

White Mulberry is about a journey of Miyoung back when she was being childhood in Pyongyang, Korea and have to moved to Japan for pursuing a great education in Kyoto, Japan. She had to change her name into Japanese name since she was bullied for being Korean. This was occurs when Japan invade Korea & China or I could say in the World War 1 & 2.

Actually I love how the writer depicts the condition of Miyoung, it was difficult and the life she live was really struggle. I barely could survive if I were her. After that she met with various people in the Korean Community and fall in love with Korean Guy. Turns out, her love life was not full of rainbow.

I see there is kind of repetition and mundane after some 'big' moments that she had to faced, the story becomes bored to me. I expected the ending could be elaborate more but still OK for the open endings.

“A beautiful and deeply researched novel…If you loved Pachinko, you’ll love White Mulberry.” —Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of The Island of Sea Women

The blurb above had me sold. I loved Pachinko, and I love The Island of Sea Women. I knew I had to read White Mulberry. Rosa Kwon Easton delivers an engaging work of historical fiction that lovers of the genre will appreciate.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

“𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥.”

Thank you Brilliance Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced readers copies! I decided to do the advanced listeners copy rather than read the digital arc as it’s easier for me right now and I liked the narrator.

Along the veins of Pachinko and Peach Blossom Spring, this historical fiction is set in mostly Japan and is deeply influenced by the real life story of the author’s grandmother. It’s both heartbreaking and inspiring, and insightful into what circumstances were like then. It addresses identity, culture, belonging, purpose, motherhood, faith and religion, and war. Miyoung is a resilient, smart, and devoted character that you can’t help but cheer on as challenges arise that put her in difficult and emotional situations.

While I did like it, it didn’t quite enamor me like Peach Blossom Spring, or even Pachinko. I don’t like comparing stories, especially if I know that it was inspired by an author’s life or someone they know. Still, I’m grateful to have been provided copies to read and the personal author’s note at the end is worth reading too. If you like historical fiction set in East Asia, you may also like this one. There’s another upcoming release called Stone Angels that seems to fall into this same category, so keep your eye out!

Content includes a brief romantic scene (not detailed), some racial discrimination, and death of various family members. 3.5 out of 5

I really enjoyed the historical backdrop of this, and was pleasantly surprised to learn at the end that this was based on the author's grandma's true story. Truly an inspiring tale and with ode to motherhood and maternal love.

1.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

Miyoung moves from Korea to Japan in hopes to further her education. She quickly learns how Koreans are viewed in Japan. In order to receive a higher paying job she pretends to be Japanese.

I was expecting this to be similar to Pachinko and The Vanishing Half. Miyoung's decisions are based on male validation re-constructed into seemingly "young and naive" thoughts. She decides to be called by her Japanese name, Miyoung, in hopes to stop her Japanese classmates from bullying her but nothing changes except now the other Korean students also ostracize her. Still, she insists on being called Miyoung. She studies Japanese and wears a kimono. She acknowledges feeling bad when she sees other visibly and openly Korean people treated badly but she doesn't do or say anything when these things happen.

I don't know what the point of this book was. I wanted to dnf at the 86% mark. Then we end off abruptly in 1943. Why not the end of WW2? I have read the same thing but done better.

The white mulberry tree is Miyoung’s favorite hiding spot by her mother’s house in a small village in North Korea. ‘Its berries were white and sweet, not red and tart like other mulberry trees. The tree was different, just like her’. At 11 years old, she knows exactly what she wants: getting an education and becoming a teacher. Not an easy task for a girl whose father is more interested in arranging a traditional marriage for her. When she has the chance to go to Japan to live with her sister, who was tricked into marriage with a Korean man living in Kyoto, she reluctantly takes the opportunity and continues school there. She quickly learns how difficult it is for a Korean to be accepted and find a job in Japan. So she takes a Japanese name, Miyoko, to blend in but soon realizes that she needs to stay true to her roots to find happiness.
The novel almost reads like a memoir (and is largely based on the author’s grandmother’s story). It spans a period from 1928 to 1943. Korea is controlled by Japan, and Japan is at war. Miyoung is a strong, courageous and strong-willed woman despite the many obstacles and limitations she is faced with her entire life. She often struggles with making the right decisions and is rattled with doubt and insecurity. Being without her mother, she often relies on her sister, Bohbeh, whom she has a strong bond with.
I was very intrigued by the description of Korean and Japanese traditions, locations and foods. I empathized with Miyoung so much, and she will stay with me for a long time. I loved the writing style and short chapters, and I was glued to the pages always wanting to know what would happen next.
The book is a great reminder of how different and difficult women’s lives were for the greater part of the last century. Miyoung was ahead of her time and different - just like her white mulberry tree.
The author’s note at the end is beautiful, and this is a breathtaking debut novel about love, family, survival, faith, hope, resilience and motherhood.
I would like to thank NetGalley, @Lake Union Publishing and the Ms Rosa Kwon Easton for the opportunity to read this advance copy. The above is my honest review and own opinion.

White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton follows the journey of a young Korean girl who moved to Japan in the 1930’s. The storyline was very interesting. This is a beautifully written historical novel based on the author's own family history.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Miyoung is an 11-year-old girl living in Japan-occupied Korea in 1928. She lives with her mother and older sister Bohbeh on a farm/boarding house, dreaming of becoming a teacher one day. But under Japan occupation, her family’s finances are not as lucrative as they once were. So they send Bohbeh to Japan to marry. Miyoung hopes she can still fulfill her dream somehow, until her father reveals that he has similar plans for Miyoung. Facing the harsh gender inequality and lack of jobs available, her mother agrees to send her to live with her sister in Japan. But she soon notices the anti-Korean sentiments in Japan and decides to do her best to blend in. Changing her name to Miyoko, she gradually becomes immersed in Japanese culture, even though she loses a part of herself as the years go by. But Japan is still a growing power and increasing their militarism across the Pacific. And the Japanese government closely watches Korean immigrants and any resistance or activism brewing in the country. And as she gets older and more involved in her small community, she faces more obstacles than she had ever imagined. White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton is a historical fiction novel that explores the choices a young woman must make in order to save herself and those important to her.

Easton delivers a well-paced and emotional journey with White Mulberry. Miyoung/Miyoko make difficult decisions throughout her entire life in order to survive, and I became invested in her story early on. Through Miyoung’s experiences and tough choices she makes, readers will understand what she and many like her were up against in Japan-occupied Korea, and as Koreans in Japan. We watch her grow older and continue to face obstacles that change her. My heart broke for her and what she endured, without any real control of her own fate. While a bit slow at times, the pace picks up towards the end of the book when she has to make one final decision to secure her life and of those she loves. And when she decides to take control of her own life, despite the risks, I couldn’t help but cheer her on until the end. Readers who love historical fiction will enjoy this one. However, White Mulberry will resonate most with readers with similar dual-culture background or ancestral history.

White mulberry is an incredible story of resilience of Love of faith of fighting for what you believe in for what you want and to protect those that you love such an emotionally charged book I thoroughly enjoy this this is definitely a must read and would absolutely recommend.

Loved this atmospheric, history-infused novel of the Koreas and Japan. The storyline was really gripping, and this is one of the books that keep living in your head rent-free a long time after you have finished reading it.

My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this novel.

This three-part story opens in Pyongyang province in northern Korea in 1928, more than 20 years after the brutal Japanese colonization. The main character, Miyoung, is a tough eleven year old girl who lives in a poor rural village with her ailing mother and teenaged half sister. She surveys her world from her favourite position atop a white mulberry tree. And on this particular August day, her world is about to change abruptly.

The incident that changes Miyoung’s fate is the arrival of a Korean electrician, purportedly to measure their farm for electrification. Her beautiful sister immediately catches his eye, and he suggests to their mother that she would make an excellent wife for his brother, a wealthy electrician working in Japan. None of that is true, but Bohbeh has no say in the matter, and soon she must leave.

Miyoung is destined for a similar fate, but her mother is proud of her high standing in primary school, and her father is persuaded to let her stay until she is 13, which is all she can afford, despite her longing to go to secondary school and become a teacher. When they discover that she can attend middle school in Japan without paying fees, her sister returns to take her to her home in Japan.

What follows is a very moving story about adversity, deprivation and racist discrimination faced by the Korean community in Japan. The impending war and the Japanese commitment to domination of the Pacific merely heightens the intensity. Miyoung becomes Miyoko, hiding her identity to survive. She does not achieve her dream of teaching, but trains as a nurse-midwife, converts to Christianity, becomes involved with Korean activist, and bears a son. And she discovers that, despite her every attempt to become Japanese, her Korean origins call back to her again and again. Her need to be true to herself compels her to make decisions that come at high costs. Always, her memories of the white mulberry resurface, representing her quiet endurance.

The author’s epilogue reveals that Miyoung’s story is a fictionalized account of her grandmother’s life, as told to her as a young child after her family emigrated to the United States when she was 8. I’m sure that the ‘realness’ of this account is explained by the sort of feeling that comes of such emotional connection. World-historic events are told through great men and their doings, but they are lived by ordinary people whose stories seldom go beyond family lore. Miyoung’s story is captured with love and respect in this novel, and serves as a tribute to all those that are lost.

At the start of the book, we are introduced to Miyoung and her family. When we first meet her, she is just a kid who loves to study and she wishes that her sister, Bohbeh need not be married off to Japan. Unfortunately, education is not common for girls and she barely manages to convince her father to allow her to continue her studies before she follows her sister’s footsteps.

Eventually, Miyoung follows her older sister Bohbeh to Kyoto to continue her education in hopes of a better life. As we follow Miyoung’s journey, we get to experience life through her eyes as a foreigner in Japan, as a female who is seeking education and as a girl growing up to become a woman.

Throughout her life, various people influence her in different ways such as teacher Kim, Yamamoto-sensei and her sister Bohbeh. The story is inspired by the author’s grandmother’s true story and gives us a glimpse into the past. I enjoyed my time delving into the past as I journeyed with Miyoung through her various tribulations while she continues trusting and hoping that things will turn better.

DNF 12%

I was intrigued by the premise of this historical novel but unfortunately I was not connecting with the writing style. I have no doubt that other readers will find this novel immensely enjoyable.