Reviews

This book was a difficult listen (audio book) because of the subject matter, but I thought that it was done very well. Because the chapters alternate between Hana and Emi, who each recount and recall both difficult and happy times in their lives, the reader has breaks from the brutality of Hana's life as a Comfort Woman. I think this book does a good job of condemning the actions if individuals and institutions, without generalizing prejudice against people based on race or nationality.

daumari's review against another edition

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5.0

Accidentally inhaled this in one bedtime reading sitting. The title refers to the flowers of mourning in Korea, as this is a tale of tragedy, viewed through the past as it was happening to Hana, the older sister, and from a contemporary point of view as Emi, the younger sister, nears the end of her life but is determined to find out what happened to Hana.

It's upsetting that it wasn't until 1991 that survivors began to speak about their "comfort women" experiences, and that part of why this was largely buried from the public mind was 50 years of purity culture shame. A riveting story, and as the author notes at the end, a reminder that war atrocities on women still continue to this day.

jadehi79's review against another edition

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5.0

I received a free arc from First To Read in exchange for an honest review. This was an amazing book. It was so beautifully written. Parts of the book, Hana's story mainly, were difficult to read at times. It was especially difficult knowing that this story is based on real events and that the "comfort women" actually went through much worse. Sometimes you're fortunate to come across a book that you on know will stay with you forever. This is that book.

runningdobe's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a difficult read, not because it was poorly written, stylistically difficult or incredibly boring; rather, it elicited emotions that were difficult to contain. I felt immense anger and profound sadness throughout the story. It is well-written and a story that needs to be told. I'm glad I finished it, because I nearly stopped on a couple occasions, due to the emotional effect it was having on me.

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