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bibliobrandie's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book written in verse. It was historically insightful, I realized I knew nothing of Manchuria, and beautifully written. My only problems were the spoiler given on the front flap (it talks about something that happens at the end of the book) and that the last fourth of the book wasn’t as strong as the first 3/4. I really appreciated the afterward with the historical notes.
lovelife1008's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lectora21's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, Child death, Chronic illness, Deportation, and Grief
Moderate: Excrement and Vomit
doublen's review
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve read countless WWII novels and many refugee stories, as well, but this is the first I’ve ever read anything about the Manchurian occupation. I wish there had been more historical context in the novel itself rather than primarily in the back matter for students unfamiliar with this theater of WWII, but the story itself was excellent with a unique lead POV.
whitneymouse's review against another edition
3.0
This was an important and also a quick read. I really enjoy free verse poetry, especially when it’s used for Historical Fiction, so I enjoyed this.
My only real complaint is that the synopsis does not match the book AT ALL. 1.) I don’t know why they call her sister Cricket in the description. Her name is Asa. She is never once referred to as “Cricket”. It’s not even the English translation for the name Asa, which means “Morning” in Japanese apparently. 2.) This book is separated into 6 subsections. The part where Natsu is trying to get her sister back happens in part 6. It lasts about 40 pages. So 80% of the book is before the part that’s in the description.
It’s still a great book I would highly recommend. But it’s more about Natsu and Asa’s journey across Manchuria and their attempts to stay alive than it is Natsu looking for her sister.
My only real complaint is that the synopsis does not match the book AT ALL. 1.) I don’t know why they call her sister Cricket in the description. Her name is Asa. She is never once referred to as “Cricket”. It’s not even the English translation for the name Asa, which means “Morning” in Japanese apparently. 2.) This book is separated into 6 subsections. The part where Natsu is trying to get her sister back happens in part 6. It lasts about 40 pages. So 80% of the book is before the part that’s in the description.
It’s still a great book I would highly recommend. But it’s more about Natsu and Asa’s journey across Manchuria and their attempts to stay alive than it is Natsu looking for her sister.
_askthebookbug's review against another edition
5.0
// Under the Broken Sky by Mariko Nagai.
I knew very less about Manchuria being occupied by the Japanese back in 1931, later being named as Manchukuo. Manchukuo was a Japanese puppet state, enabling many Japanese to settle in amidst the Chinese. The Chinese weren't happy about losing their state to the invaders which ultimately caused a hostile situation between the two groups. Under the Broken Sky is the story of two Japanese sisters growing up in Manchukuo who were later forced out of their homes when Soviet Union entered China. The story is undoubtedly very heartbreaking but also needs to be read to understand the lesser known part of WWII.
Natsu and Asa live with their father in Manchukuo on a farm until their father is drafted to fight for the Japanese empire. The Japanese settlers quickly turned into refugees. Their neighbour who is referred to as 'Auntie', assumes the role of a guardian and looks after the girls as they make their way to Harbin. They walk for days with little or no food, meeting angry Chinese on the way and even escaping bombing planes. Upon reaching Harbin, the Japanese refugees are made to live in an abandoned school with inedible food, and no insulation to get through the winter. This particular part reminded me of the concentration camps where families were dying slowly due to malnutrition or cold. The Chinese and Russian forced or begged the Japanese families to let them adopt their children and most of them had to succumb to it in order to save the kids. Natsu and Asa share an endearing bond and although their story ends on a happy note, not many were met with the same fate. This is undoubtedly the lesser known historical event that happened during the WWII.
Under the Broken Sky is about how innocent people have to pay for the decisions made by the men who wield power. Although this is a middle grade novel, I think it's suitable for a slightly older crowd. I certainly recommend this.
I knew very less about Manchuria being occupied by the Japanese back in 1931, later being named as Manchukuo. Manchukuo was a Japanese puppet state, enabling many Japanese to settle in amidst the Chinese. The Chinese weren't happy about losing their state to the invaders which ultimately caused a hostile situation between the two groups. Under the Broken Sky is the story of two Japanese sisters growing up in Manchukuo who were later forced out of their homes when Soviet Union entered China. The story is undoubtedly very heartbreaking but also needs to be read to understand the lesser known part of WWII.
Natsu and Asa live with their father in Manchukuo on a farm until their father is drafted to fight for the Japanese empire. The Japanese settlers quickly turned into refugees. Their neighbour who is referred to as 'Auntie', assumes the role of a guardian and looks after the girls as they make their way to Harbin. They walk for days with little or no food, meeting angry Chinese on the way and even escaping bombing planes. Upon reaching Harbin, the Japanese refugees are made to live in an abandoned school with inedible food, and no insulation to get through the winter. This particular part reminded me of the concentration camps where families were dying slowly due to malnutrition or cold. The Chinese and Russian forced or begged the Japanese families to let them adopt their children and most of them had to succumb to it in order to save the kids. Natsu and Asa share an endearing bond and although their story ends on a happy note, not many were met with the same fate. This is undoubtedly the lesser known historical event that happened during the WWII.
Under the Broken Sky is about how innocent people have to pay for the decisions made by the men who wield power. Although this is a middle grade novel, I think it's suitable for a slightly older crowd. I certainly recommend this.
ajaubrey1's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0