WHITE MULBERRY - ROSA KWON EASTON

When this book first popped up on my radar, it was being likened to Pachinko, which is one of my all-time favourite books. I couldn't wait to start reading White Mulberry; here's a quick synopsis:

1928, Japan-occupied Korea. Eleven-year-old Miyoung has dreams too big for her tiny farming village: to become a teacher, to avoid an arranged marriage, to write her own future. When she is offered the chance to live with her older sister in Japan and continue her education, she is elated, even though it means leaving her sick mother - and her very name - behind.

Taking readers from Korea to Japan, we follow Miyoung as she faces a harsh reality in Japan, where her Korean heritage means that she's bullied and has far fewer opportunities available to her. She takes the brave choice to adopt a Japanese name and finds that more doors open to her - but at a cost.

That's because White Mulberry is a novel about identity, showing Miyoung feeling increasingly uncomfortable as she's forced to hide her Korean origins, and what that means the longer she stays in Japan.

But there's much more to this historical fiction; the writing is beautiful and sensory, bringing Miyoung's surroundings to life in such a vivid way. Her story is an emotional one - how can it not be - so be prepared to feel happy, heartbroken and frustrated as you watch her grow into a young woman who has to make very difficult decisions.

I won't forget this book for a long time, and neither will you. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Release date: 1 December 2024

Review score: 4/5

TWs: d*ath, illness, bullying, discrimination

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read White Mulberry. This was a beautiful story about a woman who faces many heartbreaking events with resiliency. This was a part of history that I know little about, I was saddened by Miyoung's plight and for each circumstance that she had to overcome.

white mulberry, a tragic yet hopeful story set in pre-ww2 korea and japan, about a young girl learning to dream and to love in a cruel, unaccepting place, and her journey of coming home. the tragedy of minyoung's life and her resilience against all odds made this book feel like a kristin hannah novel, though the writing wasn't quite as enchanting as hannah's to me.

thank you so much to netgalley, lake union, and the author for the advanced copy!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

White Mulberry by Rosa Kwon Easton is a third person-POV historical taking place during the Japanese occupation of the Koreas in the early twentieth century. Miyoung’s older sister is arranged to marry a Korean man in Japan, foreshadowing her own future in Japan in just a few years to further her education. She meets Hojoon, a young Korean-Japanese man who is passionate about politics and the treatment of Koreans in Japan.

One thing I really appreciated was that Miyoung is North Korean and highlighting a few differences between her culture and language and those of South Koreans even before the two split into separate countries. Very often, when we talk about North Korea, we’re talking about the Korean War and the modern situation, so I liked seeing a viewpoint from before then. What makes this even more special is that Rosa Kwon Easton essentially fictionalized her grandmother’s history and tried to stay as true to her grandmother’s story as possible, which helps add the life of North Korean women forced into impossible situations in WWII to the growing stable of literature coming out of the Korean diaspora.

I loved how the book opens with Miyoung so afraid of marriage and so determined to become a teacher and how her plans changed over time but she also never loses sight of her ultimate goal which is to help others and be happy. A lot of people have that very goal but how it is shaped changes as new interests and knowledge and experiences enter their lives. Miyoung’s emotional journey feels so real and layered and we get to see her go on this journey over less than a decade as the world around her only gets more and more hostile, but she still refuses to completely give in even if she makes some concessions.

I’ve done a lot of research into WWII, particularly in the Pacific (fun fact: in Japan, it’s not called WWII, it’s called The Pacific War because that’s where they focused their attention) and this felt so incredibly well-researched. Usually, if I know a lot about a subject, I can find something that isn’t accurate but helps make for a better story, but I didn’t find that here. Churches being shut down because they felt too closely tied to Americans, distrust of Christians, Koreans carrying around cards identifying themselves in Japan but still taking Japanese names to hide in plain sight, and more all either matched research I have done, what I have heard from people who have more knowledge than I do on the subject, or in-line with what I know of the time period and setting and the history of Christianity in Japan (which, there is a long one).

Content warning for anti-Korean sentiments

I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction set in WWII in East Asia, readers looking for a book focusing on a North Korean woman during WWII, and those who are interested in the more recent history of the relationship between Japan and the Koreas

I've been watching the second season of Pachinko lately and so when I read White Mulberry, I noticed the overlap between the two. Like in Pachinko, the main character, Miyoung, leaves her mother behind in Japan-occupied Korea in order to pursue different opportunities in Japan. There, she encounters anti-Korean sentiment, but also finds community within the church. Her tenacity keeps her moving forward and I wish the book had not ended when it had because I would have liked to learn what was in store for her and her son.

I loved how Miyoung's journey is captured. Her feelings of love, sadness, longing and desperation jumped out in every page. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like to read about strong female characters.

I fully expected this book to be similar to Pachinko. But apart from being set during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and having brave female characters, these two are very distinct works. White Mulberry isn't as thrilling as Pachinko but it's much more hopeful, in my opinion.

This novel is based on the real life story of the author's grandmother. The writing is straightforward. Rosela Kwon Easton wasted no breath on unnecessary details. Despite not being an edge-of-your-seat piece, it made me curious enough to keep on reading the next chapters. I did think that apart from Miyoung, the other characters aren't fleshed out. But her resilience really stood out through the novel and it reminded me once again why I like women-centric historical fiction.

Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a beautiful story. When I was at about the 50% point, I planned to only read for a little while. I became so engrossed in Miyoung's story that I read all the way to the end. This is the story of a Korean woman that takes place in 1930's Japan. She goes to Japan for the chance of a better life. She faces prejudice and hard times. She does become a nurse and finds love with a young activist. I loved Miyoung. Even though her life was so hard, she never gave up. I highly recommend this book!

Set in the historical backdrop of Japan's occupation of Korea and the migration of many Koreans to Japan, White Mulberry tells the story of Miyoung.

As a teenager, Miyoung is sent from a small village in Korea to Kyoto, Japan to live with her elder sister to gain an education. Life isn't smooth sailing for Miyoung. She changes her name to Miyoko - a Japanese name in order to avoid racial discrimination.

The story is told over several years. Miyoko becomes a nurse's aide, falls in love and also discovers Christianity - a religion that has to be practiced in secret. She faces many trials and hardships. I rooted for her throughout; a character so determined, fierce and resilient.

If you've read Pachinko, you can't help but compare but in her notes, the author mentions that Miyoung's character is based on her own Halmeoni, which made Miyoung's character even more inspiring. However, the ending was very abrupt and I hope that there is a sequel planned. Overall, White Mulberry is an insightful read.

White Mulberry is the story of a Korean woman who moves to Japan for a (better?) life.
The writing is easy with a definite flow that makes the reading process effortless. The characters are dealt with in an appropriate manner, not leaving much to be desired. The author pays significant attention to both Korean and Japanese cultures with due respect while also tackling issues of racism, colonialism & patriarchy. The mission statement, though very broad, delivers justice to what it set out to achieve easily. The initial budding romance sub plot was supercute as well!
The only thing this book lacked was good editing. In some places, it tends to repeat itself & drag on.
Overall, the experience with this one was actually pretty good!

This book is a beautiful story that that completely drew me in from the beginning. Miyoung’s journey from a small farming village in Korea to war-torn Japan is one that’s stayed with me long after finishing. Her dreams of becoming more than what her village expected—a teacher, someone with a future of her own—hit close to home for me. I couldn’t help but feel connected to her struggle to carve out a life that felt authentic in a world that constantly demanded she change to survive.

Watching her transform into Miyoko to fit into Japanese society was both fascinating and heartbreaking. I felt her fear of losing her true self as she embraced a new identity, and I admired her resilience. Her relationship with her older sister stood out for me too—it was touching how their bond remained strong despite the distance and the turmoil around them.

What I loved most were the small, vivid details—Miyoung’s longing for the taste of familiar Korean food and the way the author brought the culture alive through these sensory moments. There were a few repetitive parts in the writing, but it didn’t stop me from being fully invested.

I’ve found myself thinking about Miyoung often, and I hope to read the sequel to see where her journey takes her next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rosa Kwon Easton's White Mulberry is a beautifully crafted tale that intertwines themes of heritage, family, and personal growth. Set against a rich cultural backdrop, the novel follows its protagonist on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with the complexities of identity and the pull between tradition and modernity. Easton's prose is evocative and tender, bringing the characters and their struggles to life in a way that is both relatable and deeply moving. The story is as much about finding one’s place in the world as it is about the strength and resilience drawn from family ties. White Mulberry is a poignant, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.

love reading multicultural stories, particularly Japanese literature fascinates me. This book is inspired by the true life story of the author’s grandmother’s (Halmeoni) life.

This is Miyoung/Miyoko’s story, who lived with her mother and stepsister in Japan-occupied Korea (during World War II). When she is 12, her sister Bohbeh is forced to leave for Japan to marry an unknown man, in hope of a better life for her. When Miyoung turns 13, she too leaves Korea to live with her sister in Japan (mainly to study and escape an unwanted marriage).

The story, which spans over 13 years, tells about familial bond, determination (to achieve something substantial in life), love, loss, and survival.

I enjoyed reading the book from the very beginning when Miyoung is perched on the sole mulberry tree outside her house and watches a stranger stopping outside the gate, eyeing her sister, Bohbeh.

The writing is mostly good. However, at certain points it slips into the ‘too much telling’ mode and gets repetitive. I could not ignore the repeated usage of ‘Warmed’ (her/her tired body or heart or her body/heart warmed). But overall, the book is nicely written and, most importantly, in a very engaging manner. The descriptions of setting, food, and culture are vivid and create lovely imagery.

The characters: I really liked Miyoung/Miyoko (her Japanese name). She is smart, intelligent, determined, so focused on her studies and career, and practical. Too practical that sometimes it smacks of selfishness. I don't know if the author has done this purposefully (because there are several other ways to show the practicality as per the situation), but Miyoung’s emotions suddenly brim when she finds some kinds of benefits, even if it's love.

I loved Teacher Kim, Taeyoung (her stepbrother), and Bohbeh. The last two chapters were full of apprehensions that kept me on the edge of the seat.

Overall, an interesting, well-written, and culturally rich story that I enjoyed reading.

I started off really well: a young poor rural girl in a Japanese dominated Korea sees her sister being married off abroad. A studious clever girl, with no prospect of further education, she's drawn to the western church of which a beloved teacher is a member.

She is allowed to continue her education in Japan, moving in with her unhappy married sister.
From there the book lost its charm for me in terms of plot, but the historical setting and cultural intricacies of Korean people in Japan at the onset of WW2 is/was interesting.

The plot, or lack thereof, was later explained to be a retelling of a family member of the author.

Not my cup of tea, but each to its own.

I received a copy from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.

I found the history featured in this book fascinating as I knew very little about the relationship between Korea and Japan in the early 20th century. I felt for the main character and all the struggles she faced in life but I found it all a bit stilted with little flow. I would have loved the story to continue for a bit longer as I felt that the ending was too abrupt. This is different to the normal books I read and I’m glad that I read it.

In 1928, in a small village in a Korea that is occupied by Japan, a young girl is given the opportunity to change her life. But how high is the price she will have to pay in order to reach for her dreams?

Moving to live with her sister in Japan, Miyoung soon adapts and learns to enjoy her life in her Japanese incarnation as Miyoko. But as she eventually learns, hiding so many things about herself, and the life that she has left behind begins to catch up with her.

Finding space for herself within a Korean community, taking a lover and eventually giving birth to a child, Miyoung find she faces difficult choices as Japan is poised to enter the Second World War. And her decision now will help to chart the course for the rest of her life.

This is a beautiful historical rendering of a time, place and culture that many of us are unfamiliar with, but the story in White Mulberry provides a welcome introduction written and delivered by a deft hand.

Over time, Miyoung faces poverty, racism and patriarchal forces, but she has a spirit that keeps her going despite the most trying of circumstances. To know that this was partly based on the author's family history adds yet another dimension to Kwon's story telling. This one is well worth a read, and gets 3.5 stars.

This novel is a poignant and beautifully crafted tale. Miyoung’s journey is both tragic and captivating, showcasing her incredible resilience in the face of oppression and racism, which kept me engrossed throughout.

The revelation that this story is rooted in the author's own family and heritage elevates it significantly. It is truly inspiring!

I appreciate NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

While I enjoyed reading this book I did find the pacing to be slightly off. As we follow our main character through her life it felt to me like the story jumped from one major event to another without much in between to develop the main character more thoroughly in order to understand/empathise with her life choices. At the beginning it was clear she was a head strong independent character but this wavered for me through the mid point of the book.

This is a fictional exploration based on a true story, delving into a geography and time period previously unfamiliar to me. The depiction of 1920s to 1930s Korea in the main character's childhood is vivid and was a strong start to the book. The pace remains brisk throughout, with constant developments in the main character's life as a young Korean navigating life in Japan.

However, at times, the pace feels overly quick, with significant life events unfolding rapidly and little exploration of the protagonist's thoughts and feelings about them. Some of the main character's motivations felt unconvincing, and the plot often moved forward without delving into the reasons behind her radical decisions.

Occasionally, the writing, particularly the dialogue, comes across as awkward and solely serving to advance the plot. There are instances where events or decisions lack sufficient buildup. Ultimately, the book, though powerful in its premise with personal connections to the author, concludes rather abruptly and unsatisfactorily. It feels like a missed opportunity given the initial strength of the story.

I had hoped that the tone in the Author's note at the end of the book would have carried through the rest of the novel.

What an absolutely beautiful book of resiliency and courage amid one of the most dangerous and difficult times in history. This beautiful books eloquently captures the heart of a lion in young Miyeoung as she navigates the challenges of childhood in a country occupied by the Japanese, the heartbreak of losing her first love, and the endless sacrifice of motherhood and the greater good. Rosa’s novel ripped my heart out in all the best ways! It’s a beautiful story of heroism and a mother’s unending courage! This book will stay with me for a long time!