At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree: A heart-warming emotional story of forbidden love and family heartbreak from an unforgettable new debut author SHOR
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4.4 • 177 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
A stirring story of love and hope, based on the incredible true story of Australia's first Japanese war bride and a love that changed a nation forever.
SHORTLISTED FOR 2023 DYMOCKS BOOK OF THE YEAR
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 ABIA MATT RICHELL AWARD FOR NEW WRITERS
LONGLISTED FOR THE 2024 INDIE BOOK AWARDS
Gordon Parker is an eager eighteen-year-old Australian boy desperate to fight for his country, and Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto is a sixteen-year-old girl struggling to survive in Japan in the aftermath of World War II. But when they fall in love, they change the course of history.
When Gordon arrives in Japan, he expects ruthless samurai, angry Japanese men ready to kill Australians at every corner. Instead, he finds Cherry, terrified of ex-enemy soldiers, a survivor of the atomic bomb. Against all the rules and all the odds, they fall in love. But when Gordon discovers the White Australia Policy prevents Cherry coming home with him as his war bride, he does what any 20-year-old soldier would do. He vows to fight. Leaving Cherry alone and pregnant in post-war Japan, Gordon has to convince his family to accept his marriage and wage a desperate campaign against a xenophobic and war-scarred government to allow his wife and children to come home.
A sweeping story spanning seven years and two countries reeling from the aftermath of war, At the Foot of the Cherry Tree is a powerfully moving novel about faith, trust, and the power of a love that alters history - written by Gordon and Cherry's granddaughter, accomplished scriptwriter, Alli Parker.
'A stunning story of faith, hope and love ... Parker's debut into historical fiction is beautiful in every sense.' The Australian
'An impressive debut novel ... a standout ... beautifully done. At the Foot of the Cherry Tree delivers both educational value and emotional impact. The connection to real-life individuals adds a wonderful dimension to the novel, reminding readers of the genuine struggles faced by these brave and resilient Australians.' Books+Publishing
'Based on a true story. Screenwriter [Alli] Parker, granddaughter of Australia's first Japanese war bride, has the family resilience and a sweeping writing style to take on one of the most devastating wartime atrocities in history ... A gentle love story expands into an epic novelisation.' Australian Women's Weekly
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
This gorgeous piece of historical fiction is the debut novel from Japanese-Australian author Alli Parker, who has worked as a script editor and co-ordinator for the likes of Jack Irish and Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries. Remarkably, she based the book on her own grandmother, Australia’s first Japanese war bride. Parker retells the love story of teenagers Gordon Parker and Nobuko “Cherry” Sakuramoto, who are drawn to each in the wake of World War II but face further adversity via the White Australia Policy. At the Foot of the Cherry Tree spans seven years as the couple are separated and battle for their right to be together. Parker’s dual experience as a screen veteran and direct family member means she is utterly invested in sharing this true-to-life tale of romance and self-belief.
Customer Reviews
A fine debut novel
A fine debut novel, in the wake of WWII we follow the true love story of a young Australian soldier and his Japanese war bride. Despite the Australian army anti-fraternising policy, Don and Cherry’s secret friendship develops into a touching romance in the devastated post war Japan. After marrying in secret, Cherry has lost her remaining family and is almost immediately separated from Don, who has been sent back to Australia. The pregnant Cherry struggles to support herself, while Don’s family question his determination to fight Australia’s strict immigration policy which is stopping his wife from joining him. Years of frustration and financial difficulties ensue, until the couple who now have two children are finally granted permission to enter Australia. The reunion with Don’s large family and the unwavering love and warmth they extend to Cherry and the children is genuinely moving. A beautiful tribute to the story of the author's grandparents.
Excellent
An amazing story, well written and worth reading.
Beautifully written
A beautifully written love story that drags you in.