Plot Summary

Shizuko's Daughter

Kyoko Mori
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Shizuko's Daughter

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1993

Book Brief

Kyoko Mori

Shizuko's Daughter

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1993
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1960s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In Shizuko's Daughter, twelve-year-old Yuki Okudo navigates life following the suicide of her mother, Shizuko, dealing with her father's neglect and her stepmother Hanae's hostility. Yuki, an exceptional student with a talent for art and athletics, finds solace in memories of her mother's love and strives for personal success. The novel explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and resilience through Yuki's coming-of-age journey. The book addresses topics such as suicide, depression, and emotional neglect.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

1,008 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Shizuko's Daughter by Kyoko Mori offers an evocative exploration of loss and resilience. Reviewers praise Mori's lyrical prose and nuanced portrayal of a young girl's struggle with grief. However, some critique the novel's pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, its emotional depth and cultural insight make it a compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shizuko's Daughter?

Readers who appreciate deeply emotional coming-of-age stories will connect with Shizuko's Daughter by Kyoko Mori. Fans of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club or Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will find Mori's exploration of grief, identity, and resilience compelling. With its profound introspection and cultural nuances, it appeals to those who value rich, character-driven narratives.

4.0

1,008 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1960s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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