Woman in the White Kimono

A BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick
'A book that is meant to be savoured and re-read' Renita D'Silva

Inspired by true stories, The Woman in the White Kimono illuminates a searing portrait of one woman torn between her culture and her heart, and another woman on a journey to discover the true meaning of home.

Japan, 1957. Seventeen-year-old Naoko Nakamura’s prearranged marriage secures her family’s status in their traditional Japanese community. However, Naoko has fallen for an American sailor and to marry him would bring great shame upon her entire family. When it’s learned Naoko carries the sailor’s child, she’s cast out in disgrace and forced to make unimaginable choices with consequences that will ripple across generations. 

America, present day. Tori Kovač, caring for her dying father, finds a letter containing a shocking revelation. Setting out to learn the truth, Tori’s journey leads her to a remote seaside village in Japan where she must confront the demons of the past to pave a way for redemption. 

'Cinematic, deeply moving, and beautifully written' Carol Mason
'An elegant testament to the tenacity of hope' Kelli Estes
'Shines a light on a dark chapter of Japanese history' Booklist
'Lush and masterful' Karen Dionne
'Moving and cinematic' Toronto Star
'One I am sure many book clubs will immensely enjoy' New Books Magazine