It would've been easy for any author to lose sight of the importance of characters when dealing with a setting so monumental as World War II, and plot elements such as interracial relationships and the internment of Japanese-Americans during the war. These are topics that would've consumed the focus of many a fine writer. The temptation would be to use a broad brush, to put the readers' wide-lens focus on the issues, and the result would often be to have wooden characters enacting formulaic plotting to demonstrate the horrors/injustices/tragedy of war and its repercussions.
I'm happy to report that Kristina McMorris, in Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, her sophomore effort as a novelist, showed herself better than many a fine writer. McMorris has a deft touch when it comes to WWII, and the depth of her research and her compassion for the topic show through in her every description of the home front, war zones, and even intense combat action sequences. She knows her stuff, and it shows. But in Bridge her historical acumen serves as shading and nuance for what is genuinely human story, played out by well-developed characters.
At its core, Bridge is a love story. It's the story of Maddie--a young Caucasian woman--and Lane--the son of immigrant Japanese-Americans--and what they are willing to sacrifice, not only for their love for one another, but for their love of their families, their country, and for honor. McMorris not only provides a tight focus on her believable characters, she makes Lane's and Maddie's love for one another believable by giving each of them depth of experience--their own set of skills, achievement, strengths and weaknesses.
All too often in stories we are asked to believe in a deep romantic attraction and its resulting bond without any reason given for us to do so. Often the love interest has few or no qualities we can imagine would warrant the main character's interest or longing. When obstacles to romance occur, often they are based on flimsy misunderstandings, or one character's sudden bout of shallowness or newly obtuse viewpoint.
None of this occurs with Lane and Maddie. Each of them is capable. Each of them shows remarkable resilience, loyalty, and dedication--not only to one another, but to big picture issues, like family and community. We come to know and respect each of them, and therefore not only applaud their love but root for it. We can see for ourselves why they would love each other so, and why they would sacrifice as they each do throughout the tale.
Without the believability of Lane's and Maddie's essential relationship, as well as the conflicts and story elements inspired by it and surrounding it, the story becomes nothing more than the recitation of a sequence of historical events. McMorris has enlightened our understanding of a monumental and turbulent period of our history with this engaging and moving tale.
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About the author
Amazing story during Pearl Harbor
This novel is beautifully written and gives a unique view of a pair of young men, who consider themselves as brothers.👨When Pearl Harbor is hit and war is declared they both soon discover the world around them sees things very differently. One young man TJ, is Caucasian and his best friend Lane is Japanese-American. Lane is also in a secret relationship with TJ’s sister Maddie.👨During the war even though they are on the same side they are treated differently. A story unfolds as Lanes family ends up in an evacuee camp, and TJ’s family is struggling with family obligations. What does Maddie do? She is torn between the love of her brother and Lane.👨After years of estrangement we hope the friends can find their way back to each other... that is if they survive the war. I love how the author gives you the background of all the family members and how they each endure their own struggles.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2012
- Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2012
- Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2014
Great Characterization, Story-Telling, and Historical Research Interwoven Together For A Great Novel
Top reviews from other countries
- Teresa JarvisReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2022
Absolutely brilliant
