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WWII Disrupts Plans Of Japanese Brothers

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By STEPHANIE REBEIN

Published: September 30, 2007

'The Street of a Thousand Blossoms,' by Gail Tsukiyama (St. Martin's, $25)

This novel recounts the tale of Hiroshi and Kenji Matsumoto, who were orphaned at a young age and are being raised by their maternal grandparents.

Strong, confident Hiroshi loves the art of sumo wrestling and shows real promise as a wrestler. As Hiroshi's skills improve, he attracts notice and an invitation to apprentice at a well-known Sumo stable, giving him the chance to realize his dream of becoming a sumotori.

His younger, more studious brother, Kenji, is equally enamored with the art of mask making for traditional Japanese Noh theater. Kenji befriends a local master maskmaker and begins an apprenticeship towards his dream.

With the bombing of Pearl Harbor and Japan's entry into World War II, life becomes more difficult for the brothers and their grandparents. This novel is a compelling story of how world events can sweep away the best of plans and redirect a family's focus from the future to survival.

By liberally injecting Japanese words into the story and providing a strong focus on ancient Japanese arts, along with strong themes of honor and family, Tsukiyama opens an appealing window into Japanese culture.

The story develops a bit slowly at first as the stage is set for the unfolding drama, but it ultimately proves to be a satisfying read full of family ties, romance and achievement against all odds.

Stephanie Rebein is new product/initiative manager for The Tampa Tribune.

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