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Repentance
France, October 1944. A Japanese American war hero has a secret.
A secret so awful he’d rather die than tell anyone—one so entwined with the brave act that made him a hero that he’s determined never to speak of the war. Ever.
Decades later his son, Daniel Tokunaga, a world-famous cardiac surgeon, is perplexed when the U.S. government comes calling, wanting to know about his father’s service with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Something terrible happened while his father was fighting the Germans in France, and the Department of Defense won’t stop its investigation until it’s determined exactly who did what.
Wanting answers of his own, Daniel upends his life to find out what his father did on a small, obscure hilltop half a world away. As his quest for the truth unravels his family’s catastrophic past, the only thing for certain is that nothing—his life, career, and family—can ever be the same again.
"Suspenseful, touching and beautifully written."
-Margaret George, New York Times best-selling author of Elizabeth I and Helen of Troy
"A gorgeous, emotional book. An important, and timely, American story"
-Karin Tanabe, author of The Diplomat's Daughter
A secret so awful he’d rather die than tell anyone—one so entwined with the brave act that made him a hero that he’s determined never to speak of the war. Ever.
Decades later his son, Daniel Tokunaga, a world-famous cardiac surgeon, is perplexed when the U.S. government comes calling, wanting to know about his father’s service with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Something terrible happened while his father was fighting the Germans in France, and the Department of Defense won’t stop its investigation until it’s determined exactly who did what.
Wanting answers of his own, Daniel upends his life to find out what his father did on a small, obscure hilltop half a world away. As his quest for the truth unravels his family’s catastrophic past, the only thing for certain is that nothing—his life, career, and family—can ever be the same again.
"Suspenseful, touching and beautifully written."
-Margaret George, New York Times best-selling author of Elizabeth I and Helen of Troy
"A gorgeous, emotional book. An important, and timely, American story"
-Karin Tanabe, author of The Diplomat's Daughter
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
33 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Lam
4 books43 followersAndrew Lam, M.D. is the award-winning author of The Masters of Medicine, Saving Sight, Two Sons of China, and Repentance. His writing has appeared in the New York Times and Washington Post. He is a retinal surgeon with a history degree from Yale and is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Dr. Lam's first book, Saving Sight (Irie Books 2013), about his work as an eye surgeon, was an Amazon bestseller. His first novel, Two Sons of China, (Bondfire Books 2014) won a Forewords Reviews Book of the Year award in 2014. His latest novel, Repentance (Tiny Fox Press 2019), is a Japanese American WWII family drama closely entwined with the history of the highly decorated Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Dr. Lam's first book, Saving Sight (Irie Books 2013), about his work as an eye surgeon, was an Amazon bestseller. His first novel, Two Sons of China, (Bondfire Books 2014) won a Forewords Reviews Book of the Year award in 2014. His latest novel, Repentance (Tiny Fox Press 2019), is a Japanese American WWII family drama closely entwined with the history of the highly decorated Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 1, 2019
This is quite an intense book. The emotions of the reader are taken for a roller coaster ride throughout. The story of Daniel and his journey through the emotions of his life is one that is worthy of a reader’s time. The author accurately portrays the difficulties, pain, suffering and horror of warfare in the Vosges Mountains in World War 2.
I’m so royally offended at the example of cowardice when Daniel's 'Dad' ran away and left Hiro to the Germans. That the character himself considered himself a coward and never lived that down, placated me. The character used his cowardice as fuel to fire up his later heroic actions gives the reader a sense of wonder at the bounds of the human spirit.
The journey of Daniel from his earliest days through his troubled marriage and then to the truth is very well told. The depth of human spirit is ably explored and those who have a troubled existence, in any form, can gain strength from reading Daniel's journey.
Andrew Lam does an impactful job bringing to light both the incredible actions of the 442nd in combat and how they were victims of racial injustice in the lack of appropriate battlefield awards at the time. Repentance also brings an excellent ray of light on the dark passage that was the internment of Americans of Japanese descent in World War 2.
I observed a number of times when love is somewhat denigrated either as an aside or from direct commentary. This reader must state that while some marriages are born out of no love and some marriages the love is so weak it disappears...if you find the person you love with all your heart and they love you the same then the love only grows every single day.
Repentance is a superb book and while not an easy read it is a book that I recommend to everyone.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
I’m so royally offended at the example of cowardice when Daniel's 'Dad' ran away and left Hiro to the Germans. That the character himself considered himself a coward and never lived that down, placated me. The character used his cowardice as fuel to fire up his later heroic actions gives the reader a sense of wonder at the bounds of the human spirit.
The journey of Daniel from his earliest days through his troubled marriage and then to the truth is very well told. The depth of human spirit is ably explored and those who have a troubled existence, in any form, can gain strength from reading Daniel's journey.
Andrew Lam does an impactful job bringing to light both the incredible actions of the 442nd in combat and how they were victims of racial injustice in the lack of appropriate battlefield awards at the time. Repentance also brings an excellent ray of light on the dark passage that was the internment of Americans of Japanese descent in World War 2.
I observed a number of times when love is somewhat denigrated either as an aside or from direct commentary. This reader must state that while some marriages are born out of no love and some marriages the love is so weak it disappears...if you find the person you love with all your heart and they love you the same then the love only grows every single day.
Repentance is a superb book and while not an easy read it is a book that I recommend to everyone.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
May 6, 2019
Wow, this was one emotional and powerful read!
Repentance tells the story of Daniel, a cardiac surgeon, his father, and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team which was made up of Japenese American soldiers during WWII. I read a lot of historical fiction set during the Second World War but Repentance sets itself apart. I have never read about the Japenese American soldiers and what they had to go through to fight for the US. Andrew Lam did a phemonenal job of bringing their story to life, their bravery, and the awful treatment they had.
Author Margaret George called Repentance "suspenseful, touching and beautifully written" and I second all of that! Told in two storylines - present day and back during WWII - readers will have a hard time putting this book down!
Lam's writing is exquisite. I practically flew through the pages! In a sea of WWII novels, Lam has created one that will truly intrigue, educate, and captivate you. Highly recommended!
Repentance tells the story of Daniel, a cardiac surgeon, his father, and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team which was made up of Japenese American soldiers during WWII. I read a lot of historical fiction set during the Second World War but Repentance sets itself apart. I have never read about the Japenese American soldiers and what they had to go through to fight for the US. Andrew Lam did a phemonenal job of bringing their story to life, their bravery, and the awful treatment they had.
Author Margaret George called Repentance "suspenseful, touching and beautifully written" and I second all of that! Told in two storylines - present day and back during WWII - readers will have a hard time putting this book down!
Lam's writing is exquisite. I practically flew through the pages! In a sea of WWII novels, Lam has created one that will truly intrigue, educate, and captivate you. Highly recommended!
May 2, 2019
Having received an advance copy of “Repentance," I devoured it in one sitting, finding I could not put it down. What a page turner! This historical novel moves back and forth from 1944 France to Los Angeles in the late 1990s. It tells the story of the 442nd battalion, a force made up entirely of Japanese American soldiers, many of whom had been interred at Manzanar, one of ten War Relocation camps set up in 1942 by FDR to contain a perceived threat from Japanese Americans during WWII. It is also a tale of discovery, shame, remorse, cowardice, heroism, and ultimately forgiveness as the son of a decorated veteran of the 442nd discovers the secrets left behind by his estranged father, secrets that will ultimately change the course of his own life. Along the way, Dr. Lam weaves historical fact into a fast paced fiction full of detailed descriptions, twists and turns and unexpected surprises. I enjoyed learning about the 442nd battalion, of which I knew nothing, as much as I enjoyed spending time with the memorable characters that Dr. Lam has created. 5 stars!
February 28, 2019
An interesting read going from 1944 France to Los Angeles 1990’s. A story emotionally charged and characters you sympathize because of the uncontrollable events they’ve been through. I couldn’t put it down. I give it a strong 4/5. Historical fiction isn’t my genre, but I still recommend this story.
February 24, 2019
Grab yourself a free afternoon, a comfy chair, and a copy of Andrew Lam’s newest book, Repentence. You will not want to stop reading until you come to know all about the main character, Dr. Daniel Tokunaga, a celebrated cardiothoracic surgeon at a Pennsylvania hospital. What makes him tick? Why is his relationship with his father so contentious? Why does the government want to contact his father concerning a medal he was awarded for service during WWII? Why does Daniel know nothing about his father’s experiences fighting in France with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated unit of Japanese American soldiers? As he learns about this crucial period in his father’s life, Daniel comes to understand and even appreciate the sacrifices his father has made for his family. As his feelings towards his father deepen, Daniel’s ability to acknowledge his own stoicism and express his innermost feelings, are transformed as well. Readers will appreciate Andrew Lam’s skillfulness in crafting an engrossing historical tale told with clarity, sensitivity, and an honesty of emotions. Repentence is a powerful book that readers will not soon forget. I was fortunate to receive an "advance copy"; can't wait to see it on the shelves in bookstores!
February 26, 2019
Repentance is a great novel and really engaging read. It takes place both in California in the late 1990s, WWII France and later the Japanese interment camps. This enables the author to take the reader on a journey through time and provide a road map for how some of the primary characters developed their view of their world and lives. In this context, we see that Repentance is really about relationships between husbands and wives, father and son, mother and son, brothers and long lost loves. The characters in this novel are both relatable and engaging. All of these qualities make Repentance a really great read--I highly recommend it.
February 27, 2019
I received an advance copy of this book.
Repentance is a beautifully written and superbly-researched book covering a little known part of American history where the government perpetrated a great injustice against its own citizens who happened to be of Japanese descent.
This book is a thrilling page turner that I didn't want to put down, especially once I reached the action scenes. I particularly appreciated the character development of Ray and the complicated relationship he had with his son Daniel. By the end, I appreciated both characters and the struggles they had overcome.
I highly recommend this book. History buffs will appreciate the story and setting and all will appreciate the humanity of the characters and deeply moving story.
Repentance is a beautifully written and superbly-researched book covering a little known part of American history where the government perpetrated a great injustice against its own citizens who happened to be of Japanese descent.
This book is a thrilling page turner that I didn't want to put down, especially once I reached the action scenes. I particularly appreciated the character development of Ray and the complicated relationship he had with his son Daniel. By the end, I appreciated both characters and the struggles they had overcome.
I highly recommend this book. History buffs will appreciate the story and setting and all will appreciate the humanity of the characters and deeply moving story.
April 13, 2019
5 stars
This is a remarkable novel.
I knew about the Japanese internment camps from growing up in Washington where there was an internment camp not far from my home. (This camp is not mentioned in the afterword in the book. I don't know if this is an oversight or if the author simply didn't know about it.)
My grandparents were German immigrants who farmed in Newell, South Dakota. While they were not interned, their crops were confiscated and the military kept a very close eye on them. (Newell no longer exists by the way.) So I know a little about the fear and hate that the Japanese, German and Italian immigrants suffered..
There were Japanese farmers in the area and I picked strawberries on their farms several times. (Backbreaking work!) As a twelve-year old I had no idea that the farmers I worked for had experienced the horrors of discrimination and internment – at home! As I grew older I learned what had happened and felt ashamed and horrified that this had occurred.
This book brilliantly tells the story of Daniel Tokunaga who has a particularly difficult relationship with his father. Ray Tokunaga is remote and very hard on Daniel. Ray constantly harps on Daniel about honor and hard work. Daniel excels in his studies and becomes a world famous cardiac surgeon. But he worries about his love/hate relationship with his father.
His mother's illness draws him back to California where his parents live. While his mother's illness passes, his father has an attack and is hospitalized. The truth of Daniel's history comes out and he is astounded and devastated. He becomes confused. His wife Beth implores him to seek answers. And he does.
He travels to France with Beth to a reunion of the 442nd regiment where his father was stationed. He meets several people who tell him the truth of his father’s involvement in a battle at a farmhouse with German soldiers. And Daniel is surprised to learn even more from a woman named Celeste.
Daniel makes peace with Ray's memory and with himself.
This book is remarkably well written and is plotted in a linear and easy-to-read style. The pages fly by and the reader hardly notices time passing. It is written with compassion while at the same time it hits hard with the realism of war and the very hard choices that soldiers in battle need to make. I appreciated the emotional travails that Daniel suffered with each revelation about his father and his war experience. I felt for Ray and was with him and Hiro in the trenches and as they marched through the dense fog where a German bullet could strike at any second. I experience the battle at the French farmhouse along with Ray and the other soldiers. While Ray was not at all proud of his behavior in the war, I understood the internal battle he had suffered. It was very well described. I really liked this book and will read more of Andrew Lam's novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for forwarding to me a copy of this revealing and instructive book for me to read, enjoy and review.
This is a remarkable novel.
I knew about the Japanese internment camps from growing up in Washington where there was an internment camp not far from my home. (This camp is not mentioned in the afterword in the book. I don't know if this is an oversight or if the author simply didn't know about it.)
My grandparents were German immigrants who farmed in Newell, South Dakota. While they were not interned, their crops were confiscated and the military kept a very close eye on them. (Newell no longer exists by the way.) So I know a little about the fear and hate that the Japanese, German and Italian immigrants suffered..
There were Japanese farmers in the area and I picked strawberries on their farms several times. (Backbreaking work!) As a twelve-year old I had no idea that the farmers I worked for had experienced the horrors of discrimination and internment – at home! As I grew older I learned what had happened and felt ashamed and horrified that this had occurred.
This book brilliantly tells the story of Daniel Tokunaga who has a particularly difficult relationship with his father. Ray Tokunaga is remote and very hard on Daniel. Ray constantly harps on Daniel about honor and hard work. Daniel excels in his studies and becomes a world famous cardiac surgeon. But he worries about his love/hate relationship with his father.
His mother's illness draws him back to California where his parents live. While his mother's illness passes, his father has an attack and is hospitalized. The truth of Daniel's history comes out and he is astounded and devastated. He becomes confused. His wife Beth implores him to seek answers. And he does.
He travels to France with Beth to a reunion of the 442nd regiment where his father was stationed. He meets several people who tell him the truth of his father’s involvement in a battle at a farmhouse with German soldiers. And Daniel is surprised to learn even more from a woman named Celeste.
Daniel makes peace with Ray's memory and with himself.
This book is remarkably well written and is plotted in a linear and easy-to-read style. The pages fly by and the reader hardly notices time passing. It is written with compassion while at the same time it hits hard with the realism of war and the very hard choices that soldiers in battle need to make. I appreciated the emotional travails that Daniel suffered with each revelation about his father and his war experience. I felt for Ray and was with him and Hiro in the trenches and as they marched through the dense fog where a German bullet could strike at any second. I experience the battle at the French farmhouse along with Ray and the other soldiers. While Ray was not at all proud of his behavior in the war, I understood the internal battle he had suffered. It was very well described. I really liked this book and will read more of Andrew Lam's novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for forwarding to me a copy of this revealing and instructive book for me to read, enjoy and review.
May 6, 2019
"Rarely has a nation been so well served by a people it has so ill-treated... they did more than defend America; in the face of painful prejudice, they helped to define America at its best."
-Bill Clinton
Repentance follows Daniel Tokunaga, a well-known cardiac surgeon and head of cardio, and his estranged father, a Japanese-American war hero who fought in France during WWII. Daniel has never given his father's service a second thought until the Department of Defense began reaching out about events that transpired during his tour in France. Secrets have been kept, mistakes made, life-changing mysteries unfolded. Daniel's father was a hero, but what did he do?
This book pleasantly surprised me and made me feel. Just when I thought I had the book figured out, Lam threw me for a loop. I definitely would not call Repentance predictable.
What I loved most about this book was that it was written with the sole purpose of giving the limelight to the brave men who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during the second world war--a segregated team made up of Japanese-American men.
Lam also tackled mental health (suicidal ideation/prevention and PTSD) in a safe and respectable manner. The support systems of the two characters struggling with potential thoughts of suicide did everything right, and it gave me hope that literature does not have to use mental illness as a shock factor.
I wholeheartedly believe everyone should read this book. I so wish I had learned more before now about the treatment and heroism of Japanese-Americans during WWII.
-Bill Clinton
Repentance follows Daniel Tokunaga, a well-known cardiac surgeon and head of cardio, and his estranged father, a Japanese-American war hero who fought in France during WWII. Daniel has never given his father's service a second thought until the Department of Defense began reaching out about events that transpired during his tour in France. Secrets have been kept, mistakes made, life-changing mysteries unfolded. Daniel's father was a hero, but what did he do?
This book pleasantly surprised me and made me feel. Just when I thought I had the book figured out, Lam threw me for a loop. I definitely would not call Repentance predictable.
What I loved most about this book was that it was written with the sole purpose of giving the limelight to the brave men who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during the second world war--a segregated team made up of Japanese-American men.
Lam also tackled mental health (suicidal ideation/prevention and PTSD) in a safe and respectable manner. The support systems of the two characters struggling with potential thoughts of suicide did everything right, and it gave me hope that literature does not have to use mental illness as a shock factor.
I wholeheartedly believe everyone should read this book. I so wish I had learned more before now about the treatment and heroism of Japanese-Americans during WWII.
March 24, 2019
I received an advance copy of Repentance. This book is fabulous. A stunner. It made me cry. It hit me on two levels. First, it’s a touching story of a broken family. Daniel Tokunaga is a cardiac surgeon whose marriage is falling apart and who hasn’t spoken to his war-hero father for a decade. These strained relationships set up a number of gut-wrenching scenes of anger, disappointment, drama and redemption that I won’t soon forget.
Secondly, it’s the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a group of unsung Japanese American WWII heroes who fought for their country even after that country had taken away their families’ possessions and freedom by rounding them up and putting them in internment camps. I’m quite surprised there hasn’t already been a best-selling novel about their incredible history before.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I will only say that this book made me think about (and appreciate) my relationships with friends and family, and simultaneously opened my eyes to a totally new aspect of American history. If you’ve got a book club that likes historical fiction, this would be perfect. I highly recommend it.
Secondly, it’s the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a group of unsung Japanese American WWII heroes who fought for their country even after that country had taken away their families’ possessions and freedom by rounding them up and putting them in internment camps. I’m quite surprised there hasn’t already been a best-selling novel about their incredible history before.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I will only say that this book made me think about (and appreciate) my relationships with friends and family, and simultaneously opened my eyes to a totally new aspect of American history. If you’ve got a book club that likes historical fiction, this would be perfect. I highly recommend it.
March 25, 2019
A page turning piece of historical fiction. World War 2 is fertile ground for novels, but rather then German occupied France or horrific death camps, this story focuses on the lesser known history of Japanese American regiments. These troops fought on behalf of a nation that concurrently forced Japanese Americans back home onto internment camps. A fascinating part of history that makes for a wonderful backdrop to the story.
March 30, 2019
I was so happy to receive an advance copy of Dr. Andrew Lam’s third book, Repentance. I opened it on a cross-country flight and didn’t put it down until I had finished it! I love historical fiction and this story does not disappoint. It is both a heart-breaking look into some of our nation’s more abhorrent history (the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII) and an uplifting story of a man’s journey to healing. Highly recommend!
April 13, 2019
This book is absolutely stunning. It's now one of my top three historical fictions set during the world wars.
I need time to think before I review, to ensure I give it the credit it is due. A more complex review will be posted just before the release date.
(I received an advanced copy of this book from Tiny Fox Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
I need time to think before I review, to ensure I give it the credit it is due. A more complex review will be posted just before the release date.
(I received an advanced copy of this book from Tiny Fox Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
May 7, 2019
“The fact that they had nothing to do with Pearl Harbor didn’t matter. They were guilty by association, by the color of their skin and the slant of their eyes. It didn’t matter that they didn’t speak Japanese, or that they were American citizens. The bottom line was that their kind had perpetrated a horrid crime that came from the land of their ancestors. The shame was a burden that all Nisei silently bore, a burden every soldier in the 442nd was fighting to be free of.”
I got this book for free as a win from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. Thanks!
“Repentance” tells the story of Daniel Tokunaga, a successful surgeon, who is confronted with his estranged father’s past during the Second World War. Daniel’s father is of Japanese descent and fought as part of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, the most decorated unit in U.S. military history.
During (mostly) alternating chapters narrating of 1944 (Daniel’s father and his best friend) and 1998 till 1999 we learn a lot about Daniel and his own family as well.
Even though Lam doesn’t have his own style, his writing is fairly well, at times very atmospheric and – in the respective context – mostly absolutely plausible and believable. Lam’s prose at times feels even poetic:
“The house sucked up his voice, offered no return. […] The house was a time capsule. A grave, he thought. Even a clock’s tick would have been welcome music. The dead room gave Daniel the creeps. Inside, the distant pulsation of the cicadas felt far away. Inside, time had died—life gone elsewhere. Even the past had passed on.”
Especially the war time perspective is brilliantly developed and I found ourselves immersed in the narration:
“The horror of their situation now dawned on Ray. Unable to advance, unable to retreat, six guys left against four machine guns, one of which they couldn’t see but which could see them the minute they lifted their heads or stepped out from behind a tree.”
Why then only three stars? There are two issues with this book: First of all, “Repentance” is missing the chance to tell the story of the 442nd – why did it become the most decorated unit? Why did those Nisei fight so valiantly? Lam could have elaborated on this beyond the rather simplistic direct answer he gives himself:
“The fact that they had nothing to do with Pearl Harbor didn’t matter. They were guilty by association, by the color of their skin and the slant of their eyes. It didn’t matter that they didn’t speak Japanese, or that they were American citizens. The bottom line was that their kind had perpetrated a horrid crime that came from the land of their ancestors. The shame was a burden that all Nisei silently bore, a burden every soldier in the 442nd was fighting to be free of.”
Especially in the light of Americans of Japanese descent being held in civilian internment under harsh conditions, why would people volunteer to fight and die for the country that did that to them? The book leaves us without even trying to explain that.
The story “Repentance” tells us is a powerful one and it would certainly have been possible to highlight the special challenges that the Nisei faced in the USA before, during and – in part at least – after World War II. I for one would have been interested to learn more about that.
In the author’s “Historical Notes” there is indeed additional information about the 442nd but it comes too late (it should have been interwoven in the story) and it’s too little to make any great difference.
The second issue I have is with Daniel, the protagonist, himself: When he learns about a family secret his father, Ray, has kept, Daniel is very, very quick to condemn Ray. No doubt, under the specific circumstances Daniel is sad and confused and he says so:
“He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. “I still can’t wrap my head around the stuff with my dad. It’s just so bizarre.””
That is wholly understandable and believable. Nevertheless, he completely condemns his father and is generally awfully quick to judge:
“No wonder his father hadn’t wanted the government to investigate his medal. Because he hadn’t earned it…worse, he’d lied […]”
Not quite the next second but at most hours later, he clearly identifies with his father again:
“Celeste, I would love to tell you about my dad. I’m very proud of him.”
Daniel actually “oscillates” between blaming his father for everything gone wrong in both their lives and blaming himself. Both with equal vigour and both implausibly quickly, often in the course of hours:
“As Daniel perused his dad’s archive of his life, he felt a deep sense of regret. Was it my fault for keeping us apart all those years? Was it me who robbed both him and my children of a relationship they could have shared? And Daniel realized, it was.”
“No, Daniel”, I want to shout, “it’s at most partly your fault but mostly your father who tried to mould you into the unrealistic picture he imagined someone else would have been having of you.” (Yes, the convoluted wording has a very good reason.)
In the relationship between the parent and a child, it’s extremely rarely the child to blame for the major failures.
Neither is it possible for anyone burdened like Daniel to follow his wife’s - Beth - trivial advice:
“You can do it differently. Start right now. Just start by being a person who’s not carrying a burden. Now that we know where that burden came from, why don’t you put it down and leave it there?”
No, Beth, you can’t just put such a burden down and move on. If things were so easy, a lot of shrinks would be out of a job.
All in all, “Repentance”, in spite of the shortcomings I mentioned, is a well-written, interesting book that could have achieved more but can still be recommended to anyone with an interest in historical fiction and especially those interested in World War II.
I got this book for free as a win from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. Thanks!
“Repentance” tells the story of Daniel Tokunaga, a successful surgeon, who is confronted with his estranged father’s past during the Second World War. Daniel’s father is of Japanese descent and fought as part of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, the most decorated unit in U.S. military history.
During (mostly) alternating chapters narrating of 1944 (Daniel’s father and his best friend) and 1998 till 1999 we learn a lot about Daniel and his own family as well.
Even though Lam doesn’t have his own style, his writing is fairly well, at times very atmospheric and – in the respective context – mostly absolutely plausible and believable. Lam’s prose at times feels even poetic:
“The house sucked up his voice, offered no return. […] The house was a time capsule. A grave, he thought. Even a clock’s tick would have been welcome music. The dead room gave Daniel the creeps. Inside, the distant pulsation of the cicadas felt far away. Inside, time had died—life gone elsewhere. Even the past had passed on.”
Especially the war time perspective is brilliantly developed and I found ourselves immersed in the narration:
“The horror of their situation now dawned on Ray. Unable to advance, unable to retreat, six guys left against four machine guns, one of which they couldn’t see but which could see them the minute they lifted their heads or stepped out from behind a tree.”
Why then only three stars? There are two issues with this book: First of all, “Repentance” is missing the chance to tell the story of the 442nd – why did it become the most decorated unit? Why did those Nisei fight so valiantly? Lam could have elaborated on this beyond the rather simplistic direct answer he gives himself:
“The fact that they had nothing to do with Pearl Harbor didn’t matter. They were guilty by association, by the color of their skin and the slant of their eyes. It didn’t matter that they didn’t speak Japanese, or that they were American citizens. The bottom line was that their kind had perpetrated a horrid crime that came from the land of their ancestors. The shame was a burden that all Nisei silently bore, a burden every soldier in the 442nd was fighting to be free of.”
Especially in the light of Americans of Japanese descent being held in civilian internment under harsh conditions, why would people volunteer to fight and die for the country that did that to them? The book leaves us without even trying to explain that.
The story “Repentance” tells us is a powerful one and it would certainly have been possible to highlight the special challenges that the Nisei faced in the USA before, during and – in part at least – after World War II. I for one would have been interested to learn more about that.
In the author’s “Historical Notes” there is indeed additional information about the 442nd but it comes too late (it should have been interwoven in the story) and it’s too little to make any great difference.
The second issue I have is with Daniel, the protagonist, himself: When he learns about a family secret his father, Ray, has kept, Daniel is very, very quick to condemn Ray. No doubt, under the specific circumstances Daniel is sad and confused and he says so:
“He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. “I still can’t wrap my head around the stuff with my dad. It’s just so bizarre.””
That is wholly understandable and believable. Nevertheless, he completely condemns his father and is generally awfully quick to judge:
“No wonder his father hadn’t wanted the government to investigate his medal. Because he hadn’t earned it…worse, he’d lied […]”
Not quite the next second but at most hours later, he clearly identifies with his father again:
“Celeste, I would love to tell you about my dad. I’m very proud of him.”
Daniel actually “oscillates” between blaming his father for everything gone wrong in both their lives and blaming himself. Both with equal vigour and both implausibly quickly, often in the course of hours:
“As Daniel perused his dad’s archive of his life, he felt a deep sense of regret. Was it my fault for keeping us apart all those years? Was it me who robbed both him and my children of a relationship they could have shared? And Daniel realized, it was.”
“No, Daniel”, I want to shout, “it’s at most partly your fault but mostly your father who tried to mould you into the unrealistic picture he imagined someone else would have been having of you.” (Yes, the convoluted wording has a very good reason.)
In the relationship between the parent and a child, it’s extremely rarely the child to blame for the major failures.
Neither is it possible for anyone burdened like Daniel to follow his wife’s - Beth - trivial advice:
“You can do it differently. Start right now. Just start by being a person who’s not carrying a burden. Now that we know where that burden came from, why don’t you put it down and leave it there?”
No, Beth, you can’t just put such a burden down and move on. If things were so easy, a lot of shrinks would be out of a job.
All in all, “Repentance”, in spite of the shortcomings I mentioned, is a well-written, interesting book that could have achieved more but can still be recommended to anyone with an interest in historical fiction and especially those interested in World War II.
June 29, 2019
Historical facts (442nd Regimental Combat Team) plus fiction makes for a really good story. I really enjoyed reading this novel. It was engaging and held my interest from start to finish. Oh, the secrets! The historical notes at the end provided just enough light on the brave men who served with the 442nd. Thank you NetGalley for forwarding this novel to me to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2019
An exceptional book. Repentance peels away layer after layer of personal and family secrets. The story unfolds around looking back the World War II internment of Japanese Americans and the parallel story of the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Unit. It centers on a mid-aged Japanese American heart surgeon (the author is also a doctor). At the top of his game professionally, Daniel has to face up to the crisis in his marriage, his relationship with children (who barely appear, to be honest), and his parents.
The tone of the book mirrors that of Daniel, the central character. At first, both he and the book feel tightly wound, everything just rushing ahead toward we don't know what. After a certain point, though the reader remains eager for resolution, the Daniel and have to slow down and make room for probing the emotional charge of events.
My only gripe with the book is that, as Lam ties up loose ends in the last part of the book, he leaves the marriage issues between Daniel and Beth in too pat a state. I hate to say more without being a spoiler.
Even so, for anyone coming to grips with the effects of family history and legacy, a wonderful book. Yes, anyone. And yet. I wondered as I read could this story have worked if the families were white?
I read Lam's book having just finished two Kristin Hannah novels, Home Front and The Great Alone which I also loved. Hannah's two novels also portray families in crisis, weighted down with secrets and repressed feelings, and both also revolve around the effects of war (the wars in Iraq and Vietnam).
Yet the quality of the history and feelings seem bound up with the confrontation of Japanese American culture, both American-born and immigrant, with the effects of the racist World War II internment program and armed forces segregation. And all this still did not take away from the feelings of universality in the pivotal family relationships. If that makes a bit of sense to you, that's what made the book exceptional for me.
The tone of the book mirrors that of Daniel, the central character. At first, both he and the book feel tightly wound, everything just rushing ahead toward we don't know what. After a certain point, though the reader remains eager for resolution, the Daniel and have to slow down and make room for probing the emotional charge of events.
My only gripe with the book is that, as Lam ties up loose ends in the last part of the book, he leaves the marriage issues between Daniel and Beth in too pat a state. I hate to say more without being a spoiler.
Even so, for anyone coming to grips with the effects of family history and legacy, a wonderful book. Yes, anyone. And yet. I wondered as I read could this story have worked if the families were white?
I read Lam's book having just finished two Kristin Hannah novels, Home Front and The Great Alone which I also loved. Hannah's two novels also portray families in crisis, weighted down with secrets and repressed feelings, and both also revolve around the effects of war (the wars in Iraq and Vietnam).
Yet the quality of the history and feelings seem bound up with the confrontation of Japanese American culture, both American-born and immigrant, with the effects of the racist World War II internment program and armed forces segregation. And all this still did not take away from the feelings of universality in the pivotal family relationships. If that makes a bit of sense to you, that's what made the book exceptional for me.
May 3, 2019
This book was really interesting and intense. It tells the story of Daniel, head of cardio-thoracic surgery at Penn, who has a very successful career, is married to his beautiful wife Beth and has two amazing smart kids headed off to college. His life seems perfect but it is far from it. His parents live in California and he is not close to them, especially his gruff, non-emotional father Ray. He has never been close to either of them sine he left for college and especially sine his younger brother was killed in the Vietnam war. His mom is in a car accident and he flies out to check on her. She is ok and his dad is his usual self, not friendly or nice. The chapters rotate between the present where Daniel is trying to help his parents sort out their current situation and back in WW2 where Daniel's father is stationed in France with his platoon and the Nazi combat he encountered then. Daniel and his father have an argument in the current day and his father has what seems to be a heart attack and is rushed to the hospital. Daniel learns, while cleaning out his parents house that his father won a medal of honor in the war and Daniel wants to learn more. Daniel learn SO much more, way more then he bargained for and his tormented relationship with his father starts to suddenly make sense. He learns the truth about his father, his real father, who they were and the heroes that they were during the war. This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel. I loved the story, the characters and the real story that this book as based on. I actually used to work at the Hospital of the Univ of PA so that made it all the better for me. Very intense story but well worth your time!! DO not miss this amazing book!! Thanks to NG fo the ARC!!!
June 28, 2019
Repentance is a historical novel centered around 2 main characters, Ray Tokunaga, and his son, Daniel. The story focuses on the relationship between father and son, which is skillfully interwoven between events during World War II and the present era (late 1990's). Andrew Lam uses the backdrop of the European theater and the famous 442nd infantry regiment, well-known for being comprised of soldiers of Japanese ancestry, who fought bravely for their country despite being discriminated against at home.
The battle scenes are historically detailed and captivating, and the story between and amongst family members and loved ones are well done-----it is a novel that is hard to put down from the beginning.
Although with each passing year, our collective memory of those in the 'Greatest Generation' who fought WWII becomes more distant, it is a novel like this that reminds present-day readers of the sacrifices and burdens that these young men carried during, and after the war, and how much we and our nation are indebted to them.
The story between father and son, as well as the accompanying storylines between husbands-wives and other loved ones includes themes and lessons that impact all of us: themes about love, sacrifice, forgiveness, understanding, and a desire to provide for our children opportunities that we as parents did not have. There are also themes about the importance of valuing and honoring those who we love the most, and not taking them for granted in the midst of the distractions and chaos of our everyday obligations of work and life.
All in all, a fantastic read. It is one that anyone should enjoy and appreciate.
The battle scenes are historically detailed and captivating, and the story between and amongst family members and loved ones are well done-----it is a novel that is hard to put down from the beginning.
Although with each passing year, our collective memory of those in the 'Greatest Generation' who fought WWII becomes more distant, it is a novel like this that reminds present-day readers of the sacrifices and burdens that these young men carried during, and after the war, and how much we and our nation are indebted to them.
The story between father and son, as well as the accompanying storylines between husbands-wives and other loved ones includes themes and lessons that impact all of us: themes about love, sacrifice, forgiveness, understanding, and a desire to provide for our children opportunities that we as parents did not have. There are also themes about the importance of valuing and honoring those who we love the most, and not taking them for granted in the midst of the distractions and chaos of our everyday obligations of work and life.
All in all, a fantastic read. It is one that anyone should enjoy and appreciate.
July 25, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Historical fiction is slowly gaining ground as my favorite genre to read. It’s such a complex genre no matter the era, and this novel is no exception.
Lam wrote a beautiful, heart wrenching story about World War II Japanese Americans. His clever twists through time and his expertise with dangling juuust the right amount of information really pulled me through the book. I learned a lot more about the war, and about a group of soldiers whose bravery saved so many.
Even the love stories throughout the book were well crafted. There were moments that they teetered towards feeling stale, but as a whole they were dynamic and bluntly realistic.
Lam’s narrative is commanding and clearly well-informed. He did his research and he portrayed everything thoroughly, from character mind sets to the interiors of homes, both things that shift according to cultural traditions.
The emotions that grow and develop through the story are the true protagonists. Readers are led through bitter distrust, confusion, betrayal, shame, and ultimately, regained confidence and love. Lam does a superb job developing each character’s changing points of view.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that touches on World War II and the astonishing bravery of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, be sure to give this book a read. A solid 5 stars from me.
Historical fiction is slowly gaining ground as my favorite genre to read. It’s such a complex genre no matter the era, and this novel is no exception.
Lam wrote a beautiful, heart wrenching story about World War II Japanese Americans. His clever twists through time and his expertise with dangling juuust the right amount of information really pulled me through the book. I learned a lot more about the war, and about a group of soldiers whose bravery saved so many.
Even the love stories throughout the book were well crafted. There were moments that they teetered towards feeling stale, but as a whole they were dynamic and bluntly realistic.
Lam’s narrative is commanding and clearly well-informed. He did his research and he portrayed everything thoroughly, from character mind sets to the interiors of homes, both things that shift according to cultural traditions.
The emotions that grow and develop through the story are the true protagonists. Readers are led through bitter distrust, confusion, betrayal, shame, and ultimately, regained confidence and love. Lam does a superb job developing each character’s changing points of view.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that touches on World War II and the astonishing bravery of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, be sure to give this book a read. A solid 5 stars from me.
April 20, 2019
An engaging novel which intertwines themes of generational sacrifice, honor & loyalty and the human experience of delving into something that is bigger than yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend this widely! The reader is ushered into the life of 2 intersecting characters - a father and son - both of whom hold great pride in the task that life has placed before them. Both of whom encounter the need to seek forgiveness - will they find it? how is their future defined by whether this need is met? Read to find out!
Dr. Lam does an excellent job inviting you into the life of this family, all the while learning of the valiant service of the 442nd Regimental combat team. In spite of unjust, prejudiced treatment rendered by the United States through the internment of Japanese families - their sons fought and defended the United States through military service. Their sacrifice and courage proved to be greater than the ignorance that caused their families to suffer and would pave the way for the future generations.
This book is a relevant read for our current times of racial bias. It is good to be reminded that we have more of a shared humanity through our limitations and that these limitations can instead prepare us for moments when we can live larger than what we would expect of ourselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend this widely! The reader is ushered into the life of 2 intersecting characters - a father and son - both of whom hold great pride in the task that life has placed before them. Both of whom encounter the need to seek forgiveness - will they find it? how is their future defined by whether this need is met? Read to find out!
Dr. Lam does an excellent job inviting you into the life of this family, all the while learning of the valiant service of the 442nd Regimental combat team. In spite of unjust, prejudiced treatment rendered by the United States through the internment of Japanese families - their sons fought and defended the United States through military service. Their sacrifice and courage proved to be greater than the ignorance that caused their families to suffer and would pave the way for the future generations.
This book is a relevant read for our current times of racial bias. It is good to be reminded that we have more of a shared humanity through our limitations and that these limitations can instead prepare us for moments when we can live larger than what we would expect of ourselves.
June 29, 2019
Andrew Lam has done it again!
As many have mentioned, yet another page-turner, "can't put it down" book from Dr. Lam.
The story is very realistic and hit me on multiple levels, including the historical aspect of the 442nd regiment and Japanese internment during WWII as well as the personal aspects, in terms of the family issues experienced by the well-developed characters.
The back and forth between WWII flashbacks and the modern day works well, with seamless and appropriate transitions, and it also serves to keep the reader guessing: Which one is Daniel's father? What happened that has affected him so greatly?
Great plot twists and a satisfactory ending. This book would make a fantastic movie as well, perhaps the next Crazy Rich Asians but more meaningful historical fiction?! Read it now, and you can say you read it before it became a blockbuster film :)
As many have mentioned, yet another page-turner, "can't put it down" book from Dr. Lam.
The story is very realistic and hit me on multiple levels, including the historical aspect of the 442nd regiment and Japanese internment during WWII as well as the personal aspects, in terms of the family issues experienced by the well-developed characters.
The back and forth between WWII flashbacks and the modern day works well, with seamless and appropriate transitions, and it also serves to keep the reader guessing: Which one is Daniel's father? What happened that has affected him so greatly?
Great plot twists and a satisfactory ending. This book would make a fantastic movie as well, perhaps the next Crazy Rich Asians but more meaningful historical fiction?! Read it now, and you can say you read it before it became a blockbuster film :)
June 14, 2019
Andrew Lam's Repentance is quite the page turner and he brings in an interesting perspective on how to tell the story of the most decorated regiment in US military history, the 442nd. I just couldn't put it down. and really enjoyed the read.
He has created a story that helps the reader empathize with a veteran of the 442nd. Even though I have read a lot about the casualties of the 442nd and even met a couple of veterans, little has been written about the PTSD and the after effects of war for this generation. It also helps bring to light what is happening to our veterans today.
Heroism is often too easily assigned and Repentance shows us that heroism can arise from cowardice and take a generation or more to repay.
He has created a story that helps the reader empathize with a veteran of the 442nd. Even though I have read a lot about the casualties of the 442nd and even met a couple of veterans, little has been written about the PTSD and the after effects of war for this generation. It also helps bring to light what is happening to our veterans today.
Heroism is often too easily assigned and Repentance shows us that heroism can arise from cowardice and take a generation or more to repay.
June 6, 2019
I had a very good time with this book. I've all of read Andrew Lam's other books, and this one had the harder challenge of mixing historical fiction with contemporary fiction, but succeeded with aplomb.
I thought that I had figured out the family mystery early on in the book, and I won't divulge it here, but I realized I was misdirected and happily surprised at the end.
I actually learned quite a bit from this book, and it's rare to encounter a book that is so enjoyable from a story-telling perspective that is also so edifying.
I can't wait to see what he cooks up next!
I thought that I had figured out the family mystery early on in the book, and I won't divulge it here, but I realized I was misdirected and happily surprised at the end.
I actually learned quite a bit from this book, and it's rare to encounter a book that is so enjoyable from a story-telling perspective that is also so edifying.
I can't wait to see what he cooks up next!
May 17, 2019
Thankyou to NetGalley, Tiny Fox Press and the author, Andrew Lam, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Repentance in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
On so many levels, this book is truly a "must read".
The storyline was well thought out and written. It was beautiful, remarkable and highly emotive.
Is definitely a story that will stay with the reader long after the final page has been turned.
Highly recommended
On so many levels, this book is truly a "must read".
The storyline was well thought out and written. It was beautiful, remarkable and highly emotive.
Is definitely a story that will stay with the reader long after the final page has been turned.
Highly recommended
July 2, 2019
This is the first book of this author I have read, but it will certainly not be the last.
I love his writing style. I loved the character development. But most of all I loved how this book was unbelievably fantastic and I stayed up almost all night to finish it because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise.!!
Shocking, but realistic, REPENTANCE will grab you from the beginning and shake you to your core!!!
I love his writing style. I loved the character development. But most of all I loved how this book was unbelievably fantastic and I stayed up almost all night to finish it because I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise.!!
Shocking, but realistic, REPENTANCE will grab you from the beginning and shake you to your core!!!
September 23, 2019
This is a story of honor, friendship, and love, set in west coast internment camps, WWll France, and contemporary east coast. Readers will enjoy perspectives on the conflict of familial and cultural responsibilities in the context of national prejudice and delayed acknowledgment by a grateful nation. Repentance underscores a contribution of exceptional soldiers and seeks to honor and thank them for service to our nation at a time when our nation struggled to do what was right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2019
Really enjoyed the different perspectives of a WWII veteran's story - both his and his son's. The alternating chapters provided refreshingly honest insights of how a few choices lead a lifetime of ramifications. Interesting twists and character development kept my interest all the way through the book.
April 11, 2019
Disclosure: I know the author, Andrew Lam, and I read an early draft. I received an advance copy of the book.
Daniel is a Japanese-American surgeon whose marriage is on shaky ground. During World War II, his mother was incarcerated in the Manzanar Japanese internment camp while his father served in the all Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Daniel is estranged from his father, but is forced to come to terms with their relationship when he flies out to visit his parents in response to a medical emergency. Chapters alternate between "present day" scenes in the late 1990s and flashbacks to WWII-era events. The book offers both action-filled war sequences and tender moments.
I especially appreciate that this book brings attention to parts of Asian-American history - Japanese internment and the 442nd - that most people don't even know about. Andrew Lam does justice to their legacies, effectively conveying the unique position occupied by Japanese-American soldiers in the U.S. military and the extent of their bravery, as well as the injustice and sufferings of the Japanese-Americans detained in concentration camps.
While the events that unfold are suspenseful and absorbing, ultimately they serve to depict the human condition through the characters of Daniel and his father. Like each of us, they are flawed. We are presented with a poignant story of expectations and resentment, honor and loss, repentance and atonement.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of the storytelling, I have to admit, I'm a real stickler about representation and accuracy. On page 13, Daniel's half-white, half-Asian son is unfortunately described as "exotic", which perpetuates the idea that mixed race people are a kind of "other".
On page 47, there is this line: "There weren't any camps for German Americans or Italian Americans." I think this statement could be misleading... It's true there weren't any large-scale camps dedicated exclusively for Germans and Italians, and Germans and Italians weren't rounded up en masse like the Japanese, but they were detained on an individual basis, sometimes alongside Japanese detainees. More than 11,000 people of German ancestry and about 3,000 people of Italian ancestry, including U.S. citizens, were incarcerated during World War II, though those numbers pale compared to the 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry who were imprisoned.
Anyway, overall, an entertaining story that I could easily imagine on a big screen.
Daniel is a Japanese-American surgeon whose marriage is on shaky ground. During World War II, his mother was incarcerated in the Manzanar Japanese internment camp while his father served in the all Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Daniel is estranged from his father, but is forced to come to terms with their relationship when he flies out to visit his parents in response to a medical emergency. Chapters alternate between "present day" scenes in the late 1990s and flashbacks to WWII-era events. The book offers both action-filled war sequences and tender moments.
I especially appreciate that this book brings attention to parts of Asian-American history - Japanese internment and the 442nd - that most people don't even know about. Andrew Lam does justice to their legacies, effectively conveying the unique position occupied by Japanese-American soldiers in the U.S. military and the extent of their bravery, as well as the injustice and sufferings of the Japanese-Americans detained in concentration camps.
While the events that unfold are suspenseful and absorbing, ultimately they serve to depict the human condition through the characters of Daniel and his father. Like each of us, they are flawed. We are presented with a poignant story of expectations and resentment, honor and loss, repentance and atonement.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of the storytelling, I have to admit, I'm a real stickler about representation and accuracy. On page 13, Daniel's half-white, half-Asian son is unfortunately described as "exotic", which perpetuates the idea that mixed race people are a kind of "other".
On page 47, there is this line: "There weren't any camps for German Americans or Italian Americans." I think this statement could be misleading... It's true there weren't any large-scale camps dedicated exclusively for Germans and Italians, and Germans and Italians weren't rounded up en masse like the Japanese, but they were detained on an individual basis, sometimes alongside Japanese detainees. More than 11,000 people of German ancestry and about 3,000 people of Italian ancestry, including U.S. citizens, were incarcerated during World War II, though those numbers pale compared to the 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry who were imprisoned.
Anyway, overall, an entertaining story that I could easily imagine on a big screen.
May 25, 2020
“As sons set off to war, so many mothers and fathers told them, live if you can, die if you must, but fight always with honor and never, ever bring shame upon your family or your country. Rarely has a nation been so well served by people it so ill-treated." - President William Jefferson Clinton
In this book the story bounces back and forth between the main character Daniel and his fathers haunting memories from being a part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in France. Daniel is estranged from his father and when he is forced back into his life he finds a document that makes him wonder how much he really knows about his parents history... quickly realizing that the answer to that is: very little.
I found this story to be really enlightening, it opened my eyes to so much of Japanese American history that I had been ignorant of before. Having not lived through this time in America’s history I had never really thought about the amount of discrimination and hatred that Japanese Americans received during this war and for many years after. I was also completely unaware of the 110,000 Japanese Americans forced from their homes into "internment" camps.
Andrew Lam, in writing this book, has been an enormous advocate for the Japanese American history that the USA has tried to quietly brush under the rug.
Really the only thing keeping me from giving this book 5 stars is that the dialogue felt a bit stiff at times, though definitely not enough to outweigh the importance of the storyline.
Overall, I would recommend this book to a friend, especially those who love history and fiction revolving around family secrets🤗 Thanks so much to Tiny Fox Press for the ARC!
In this book the story bounces back and forth between the main character Daniel and his fathers haunting memories from being a part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in France. Daniel is estranged from his father and when he is forced back into his life he finds a document that makes him wonder how much he really knows about his parents history... quickly realizing that the answer to that is: very little.
I found this story to be really enlightening, it opened my eyes to so much of Japanese American history that I had been ignorant of before. Having not lived through this time in America’s history I had never really thought about the amount of discrimination and hatred that Japanese Americans received during this war and for many years after. I was also completely unaware of the 110,000 Japanese Americans forced from their homes into "internment" camps.
Andrew Lam, in writing this book, has been an enormous advocate for the Japanese American history that the USA has tried to quietly brush under the rug.
Really the only thing keeping me from giving this book 5 stars is that the dialogue felt a bit stiff at times, though definitely not enough to outweigh the importance of the storyline.
Overall, I would recommend this book to a friend, especially those who love history and fiction revolving around family secrets🤗 Thanks so much to Tiny Fox Press for the ARC!
May 17, 2019
Kudos to Andrew Lam and his new historical fiction, Repentance.
With amazing twist and turns, and a well crafted written style, I was totally compelled to this story.
It follows a double timeline which shows the reader the present time from Daniel's point of view and the past through his father's pov. Both the men are so different and the shadow of their past has marked a distance impossible to overcome, but there is something from Daniel's father past that might affect the present and the future as well, and change this unstable balance.
I love how the author explores the characters' personalities and their relationships and I was likewise interested in the American Japanese situation, which it was quite to me and that was well described along throughout the book.
I'm used to reading historical fiction books, but the author's style has positively surprised me, and for this, I'm grateful to the publisher and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
With amazing twist and turns, and a well crafted written style, I was totally compelled to this story.
It follows a double timeline which shows the reader the present time from Daniel's point of view and the past through his father's pov. Both the men are so different and the shadow of their past has marked a distance impossible to overcome, but there is something from Daniel's father past that might affect the present and the future as well, and change this unstable balance.
I love how the author explores the characters' personalities and their relationships and I was likewise interested in the American Japanese situation, which it was quite to me and that was well described along throughout the book.
I'm used to reading historical fiction books, but the author's style has positively surprised me, and for this, I'm grateful to the publisher and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
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