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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Of White Ashes is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, military adventures, and emotive slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author duo Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto, this WWII historical novel follows the lives of two Japanese Americans, Ruby Ishimaru and Koji Matsuo, whose paths diverge after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Ruby is forcibly relocated from her Hawaii home to incarceration camps on the mainland, while Koji navigates the dangers of wartime Japan, concealing a perilous secret. As their journeys unfold, they eventually cross paths in California, where their magnetic chemistry is overshadowed by the trauma of war. Inspired by true events from the authors' family, the novel delves into themes of resilience, love, and the human capacity to endure hardship with dignity.
Author team Constance Hays Matsumoto and Kent Matsumoto have crafted a powerful tale of courage and adventure that is sure to deeply resonate with readers and blurs the lines between fact and fiction so well to deliver a blend of realistic, exciting fiction and real-world poignant lessons. I was very impressed with the development of the plot, set out in such clear beats with a strong rise and fall that keeps readers in suspense as it takes each bend of history’s path and surprises us with new, unforeseen challenges that really test the mettle of the central characters. The work succeeds in illuminating the struggles of ordinary individuals caught in the tumultuous tide of history, prompting readers to contemplate the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering past injustices to prevent their recurrence. Overall, Of White Ashes is a highly recommended read for fans of wartime fiction that tugs at the heartstrings whilst also staying true to its real-world roots.
