Plum Wine Audiobook

" I am aware this is a fictional story with historical elements intertwined, but I find the story to be predictable and realistic. I have spent some time in Japan (3 years). Based on this experience, I find it very difficult to read this book and pretend that Michi would give an American that she just met one year prior to her death such a rich part of her Asian culture. It was also hard to believe that Barbara would not have wondered why Michi did not give Seiji, her Asian colleagues, the school, or the Museum in Hiroshima her writings before giving it to Barbara. Even Japanese people who have embraced the American way of life still practice their traditions and embrace their culture emphatically and for her to give Barbara her tansu that her father built and the writings of her mother does not make common sense to me. Next, her relationship with Seiji. In Japan, a Japanese man with an American women was rare in 1990(my last year there). Again, I could not wrap my mind around this one. In 3 years I did not see one occurence of a Japanese man with an American woman unless it was a paid, very discreet arrangement. But Japanese women with men of other races and cultures was a routine occurence. The few Japanese women I had the privilege to know who dated and/or married outside of their culture had difficulties with their familial relationships. "

" I am enjoying this book, especially the friendship between Seiji and Barbara. "

" I felt that having very little concept of Japanese culture made this book hard for me to read. I felt like I was missing crucial subplots and was only able to do a surface read. The main character, Barbara, was annoying to me at times. "

" I like this book set in Japan 20 years after the bombing of Hiroshima. Since I have not read much about this culture, it was interesting to learn some of the culture and have a personalized picture of the effects of the bombing on some of the ordinary citizens of Hiroshima. It was interesting to learn that these survivors often kept that fact about themselves secret because they were considered outcasts of society. I was not too impressed with the main characters and that is what kept me from really liking the book. "

" I listened to this on CD for which I'm thankful. Don't think i could have handled all the Japanese words and names well if I hadn't heard them. The story is interesting from a historical and cultural point of view in regards to Japan and Hiroshima but the main characters just didn't grab me or draw me in. Warning: if you do listen to it, there are some pretty graphic scenes, I ended up skipping to the next segment several times. "

" A wonderful and compelling easy read. Makes you thirsty for wine. "

" Read this almost in one sitting. As wonderful as Peony in Love and Snowflower and the Secret Fan "

" This book makes one think about things pertaining to the war that you normally don't. I found it very compelling and could not put it down. Nice drinking some plum wine while reading also! "

" I just could not get 'in' to this book. First of all, I didn't like the main character and found the story line hard to follow. A disappointment. "

" very emotional - not the type of book i typically read, but i really enjoyed it. "

" This book began better than it ended. By the end of the book, I was annoyed with both of the main characters. I learned a lot about Hiroshima though so I enjoyed the history. "

" Interesting story about the gift an older woman from a different culture leaves to a young American teacher. "

" Loved it and I wanted more, what happens next? "

" This novel has some interesting insights into how the Hiroshima bombing affected its survivors. I don't know if they're accurate, but it definitely makes you think. "

" A book about the effects of the bomb on the history and present of Japan. "

" This book was touching. It gave me a perspective into the life of someone who had to deal with being Japanese during the aftermath of the atomic bomb. "

" A poignent book about love and mothers set in Vietnam War era Japan for a young American woman teaching English and a survivor of the bombing of Hiroshima. "

" An interesting perspective of the terrible tragedy of Pearl Harbor told through the eyes of a native. "

" Though it was an engaging story, I kept wondering how accurately the cultural nuances were portrayed. Do wish the process of creating plum wine had been described! "

" I read this book as part of my book club and I enjoyed it. Although I didn't love the book it was an interesting story that taught me a bit about Japan shortly after World War II. We have not yet met as a book group to discuss the story so I'm very interested to hear what the other women had to say. "

" I was studying Asian art history so read this book to learn more about their culture. "

" I went to the library to pick out a random book and I found this. I thought it was very slow in the beginning but it got better towards the middle and the end. I'm not a big fan of the writing style, but it was an OK book. "

" Although this book is very slow moving, it is ultimately a tender and tragic love story, filled with mystery and the tragedy of the hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bomb). "

" i could not get into this book. a little too slow paced for me, but there were some nice story lines. maybe place this book on the back burner when you have nothing else to read. "

" I would give it 3 1/2 stars. Interesting to know more about Hiroshima. "

" An intimate look 60 years later into the little known world of the Japanese who survived the bombing at Hiroshima. Part mystery and part history lesson, this novel will provide American readers with an interesting perspective on the hidden consequences of the atomic bombings. "

" Enthralling and tough with exploration of Hiroshima survivors and Vietnam War references. Have not touched on the Atom Bomb story for many years. A disturbing and very well crafted book. "

" I loved this book. So poetic and beautiful. This book was a wonderfully romantic read filled with intrigue and mystery to the last page. A rare gem. "

" I enjoyed most of the book. I feel like I learned about the culture in ways that I hadn't before. Not a heavy read but good for a trip. "

" nice and sweet...wish it had a different ending, but cultural differences will sometimes override one's real desires "

" North Carolina author with a NC character.....young American girl in mid-60's teaching English at a small Japanese university is bequeathed an unusal gift. Really, really great read. "

" I really enjoyed this book. I seem to be drawn to books that take place in Japan lately, my last one,The Laty and the Monk; Four Seasons in Kyoto, was one I really liked as well. "

" A wonderful read about Japenese culture. Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings and the aftermath of the war intwined with beautidful love story. "

" A formulaic writing style. This book annoyed me. I read it for my peace corp book club. "

" This was a good read in preparation for my Japan trip - especially with the insight into Hiroshima. The romatic side-plot is a little on the cheesy side, but the historic aspect of the story is quite informative. "

" Excellent novel. Love Asian culture, characters, history & subtle beauty of the prose. "