57 pages • 1 hour read
The Japanese Lover
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 1930s-2010s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende follows the intertwining lives of Alma Belasco, a Polish immigrant, and Ichimei Fukuda, a Japanese American, who develop a forbidden love during WWII, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. Decades later, Irina Bazili, a caregiver at Alma's retirement home, delves into Alma's past, uncovering deep secrets and a lifelong romance that withstands time and societal barriers. The novel contains depictions or discussions of racism, anti-gay bias, sexual assault, child abuse, child sexual abuse, warfare, suicide, medical aid in dying, genocide, and alcohol abuse.
Nostalgic
Romantic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
108,176 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Isabel Allende's The Japanese Lover is praised for its beautiful prose and complex characters, weaving a poignant multi-generational love story. However, some critics found the narrative overly sentimental and felt secondary plotlines lacked depth. Despite mixed reviews, the novel is appreciated for its exploration of enduring love and historical elements.
Who Should Read The Japanese Lover?
Ideal for readers who cherish multigenerational love stories and historical fiction, The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende resonates with fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See. The novel's rich tapestry of romance and resilience will captivate those who appreciate intricate narratives and evocative prose.
108,176 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Irina Bazili
Irina Bazili
A young woman of Moldovan descent working at Lark House, who helps uncover the story of Alma’s life while dealing with her own past trauma.
Ichimei “Ichi” Fukuda
Ichimei “Ichi” Fukuda
An American-born Japanese American artist and Alma’s secret lover, whose life story intertwines with the historical context of Japanese American incarceration during WWII.
Nathaniel Belasco
Nathaniel Belasco
A supportive figure in Alma’s life, balancing his public identity with private struggles, and providing familial and emotional support throughout the novel.
336
Novel • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 1930s-2010s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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