Horn Book Review
Almost buried alive in a bombing by Allied forces in 1945 Chiran, Japan, fifteen-year-old Hana feels as though she is already dead, just going through the motions. Since the bombing, girls her age have been assigned to the Nadeshiko unit; their job is to care for and send the tokk (special attack pilots, or kamikaze) off to their deaths. In an alternating narrative, seventeen-year-old Taro is prepared to die for Japan, his death bringing more honor and glory for his family than his skill in playing the violin, or his life, ever could. When their paths cross, Taros violin-playing revives Hanas appreciation for life as well as joyful memories, especially of her koto-playing father, now fighting in the war. When their connection deepens into love, Taro wonders if his feelings will jeopardize his resolve in completing his mission, while Hanas heart breaks knowing Taros seemingly inevitable fate. Through meticulous research, Smith immerses her readers in a war narrative not often told to American readers, as well as a tension-filled love story. Smith does not shy away from the horrific consequences of war and its victims; the novel encompasses comfort women; Asian countries affected by Japanese imperialism; and ritual suicide. The imagery of the title evokes the Japanese code of bushido and the fleeting beauty of existence. A map, glossary, authors note, and bibliography of both Japanese history in World War II and contemporary Japanese culture are appended. Ariana Hussain March/April 2020 p.89(c) Copyright 2020. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Hope and affection bloom between a schoolgirl and a pilot in this bittersweet narrative set in Japan during the final months of World War II.Fifteen-year-old Hana is a member of a youth war group that tends to the tokk, or special attack pilots, stationed at the Chiran Army Air Force Base. The girls do the pilots' laundry, serve them meals, and line the runway to send them off on their deadly flights. Since nearly being buried alive during an air raid, Hana moves through each day as though already claimed by deathuntil one afternoon when she hears the sound of a violin for the first time. Seventeen-year-old Taro is a tokk committed to defending his country at the cost of his own life, but he cannot abandon his love of music and takes comfort in practicing his instrument. Despite the traumas of war and the demands of duty, a chance encounter between the two leads to a connection that tethers them to each other. Smith's (Pasadena, 2016, etc.) thorough research is evident in the details that immerse readers in Hana's and Taro's lives. Their stories unfold at a measured pace; short chapters build readers' anticipation and keep the pages turning. Romanized Japanese words are used throughout the text, grounding the novel in its setting.A pensive depiction of young love and endurance amid wartime uncertainty. (map, author's note, glossary, selected bibliography) (Historical fiction. 13-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
