I don't know how to explain this book other than "touching." It truly is a very different type of story and experience that Lillian goes through . The cultural and language I pact alone but then add I. Your mother, hovering Japanese soldiers, poverty and having to step up at 15 to take care of your sister who clearly has some disabilities...you just can't not feel for her. I loved how Lillian makes this effort to keep doing little things that remind her of home or her mom but then she also says "I can't remember my mom's name."

The pacing is relatively slow but consistent. For the most part, the book doesn't drag but instead takes its time taking the reader on this long timeline.

There's a little bit of heartbreak for me when I look back as a whole but thankfully nothing tore my heart out and left me to die which I find to be rare for WWII books but something I kinda need sometimes.

I can't exactly explain why but I really happy I own this book because I will absolutely reread it. It's quite unique from other WWII historical fictions that I've read and I could definitely see my views of Lillian's father changing with each read.