Color of the Sea
Color of the Sea
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
321
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Color of the Sea by John Hamamura follows Isamu "Sam" Hamada, a Japanese American torn between two cultures before and during WWII. After moving to Hawaii, then California, Sam falls for fellow Japanese American Keiko but remains bound to a commitment back in Japan. When the war starts, Sam faces intense racism in the U.S. Army yet uses his cultural knowledge to bridge divides.
Melancholic
Romantic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
583 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Hamamura's Color of the Sea is praised for its evocative prose and historical richness, portraying Japanese-American experiences during WWII. Reviewers commend its emotional depth and complex, empathetic characters. However, some criticize the pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, it is a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Color of the Sea?
A reader who would enjoy Color of the Sea by John Hamamura is likely fascinated by historical fiction that explores cultural identity and wartime experiences. Comparable to readers of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, they appreciate deeply personal narratives set against the backdrop of significant historical events.
583 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
321
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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