Book Title: White Chrysanthemum
Author: Mary Lynn Bracht
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Length: 320 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
***My Review***
White Chrysanthemum is a heart-wrenching debut novel by Mary Lynn Bracht that tells the story of two sisters separated by war and a deep love that transcends time and distance. The novel is set in Korea during World War II, a time of great turmoil and violence that has been largely overlooked in historical fiction.
The novel opens in 1943 on the island of Jeju, where Hana and her younger sister Emi are living with their mother and grandmother. Hana is a haenyeo, a skilled female diver who harvests seafood from the sea. Emi, on the other hand, is still learning the trade and dreams of one day becoming a haenyeo like her sister. However, their peaceful life is shattered when Japanese soldiers invade their island, forcing Hana to make a life-changing decision.
Hana decides to sacrifice herself to save her sister, allowing herself to be taken as a comfort woman by the Japanese army. This decision sets the stage for the rest of the novel, as Hana is forced to endure unspeakable horrors while Emi is left to grapple with the guilt and sorrow of her sister’s sacrifice.
The novel alternates between Hana’s harrowing journey as a comfort woman and Emi’s life in the aftermath of her sister’s disappearance. Bracht’s writing is evocative and lyrical, transporting the reader to the lush landscapes of Jeju and the dark and sinister world of the Japanese army. Her descriptions of the haenyeo way of life are particularly vivid, as she captures the beauty and danger of the sea and the deep sense of community that the haenyeo share.
This poignant and important novel is a tribute to the Korean women who were forced to endure unimaginable horrors during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Through the lives of two sisters, Bracht skillfully portrays the brutality and trauma of the comfort women, while also exploring the enduring strength and resilience of these women in the face of unspeakable violence.
What makes White Chrysanthemum such a powerful novel is Bracht’s ability to explore the complex emotions and relationships between her characters. Hana and Emi’s bond is unbreakable, even in the face of unimaginable hardship and pain. Bracht also delves into the relationships between the comfort women themselves, showing how they formed their own sisterhood in the face of their shared trauma.
At its core, White Chrysanthemum is a story about the enduring power of love and sisterhood. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in the face of unimaginable adversity, and a poignant reminder of the atrocities that were committed during World War II.
While White Chrysanthemum is undoubtedly a heartbreaking and gut-wrenching tale, it is also an unflinching exploration of the brutality of war and the atrocities that women endure during times of conflict. Bracht’s writing is both powerful and poetic, and she seamlessly weaves in historical facts and details that lend a sense of authenticity to the story.
Despite the difficult subject matter, Bracht’s narrative is engrossing and hard to put down. Her descriptions are vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to the time and place of the story. At times, the graphic depictions of violence and sexual abuse may be hard to stomach, but they are necessary to convey the gravity of the situation and honor the experiences of the women who suffered at the hands of their captors.
In addition to its focus on the Korean comfort women, White Chrysanthemum also serves as a powerful reminder of the countless women around the world who have suffered from rape and sexual violence during times of war. Bracht’s writing is sensitive and nuanced, offering a thoughtful exploration of the lasting impact of trauma and the ways in which it can shape a person’s life.
Finally, I have to admit that although it was challenging to read, I’m happy I did because it’s a beautifully written tribute to Korean women who were taken from their homes during the Japanese occupation and forced into sexual slavery. The term “comfort women” is a painfully euphemistic description for the horrendous exploitation they endured.
White Chrysanthemum shed light on a largely overlooked chapter of history that I was not familiar with before. While I had some knowledge of the Japanese occupation of Korea, I had no idea about the extent of the atrocities committed during that time.
Shockingly, it is estimated that as many as 200,000 Korean women and girls were forcibly taken, deceived, or sold into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during their colonization of Korea. Many of these women and girls never returned home and their families still have no information about their whereabouts or what happened to them. The tragic stories of these women are largely unknown and forgotten.
Even more appalling is the fact that it was only in 1993 that Japan officially acknowledged the existence of comfort women, only to retract the statement later. There has been no adequate reparation for these women, no apology or substantial government recognition of their stories.
The voices of these women have been silenced, and their suffering and trauma have largely gone unrecognized. It is a heartbreaking injustice that demands attention and action. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the need to remember and honor the lives of these forgotten women and to demand justice for them.
In conclusion, Mary Lynn Bracht’s White Chrysanthemum is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that shines a light on a little-known chapter of history. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to bring to life the experiences of those who have been silenced, and to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who have come before us. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in historical fiction, women’s stories, or simply a well-told tale of love and survival.