What People Are SayinG
“An introspective, emotional novel that will draw readers in.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“Of White Ashes reminds me a bit of the tokonoma, the special place in every Japanese home that displays something beautiful which inspires contemplation. This well-told story of a Japanese-American couple whose love survives a whirlwind of tragic global events leaves the reader with a new awareness of history and a deeper appreciation of the human heart.”
— LOIS LOWRY, author of Number the Stars and The Giver and John Newbery Medal Winner
“The horrific excess of cruelty, injustices, suffering and pain that people inflict upon each another during war is not something I like to think about, much less read and write a review about. But at the end of my reading, I found myself unexpectedly elucidated, enlightened, and oddly hopeful for the nature of our species. It is a well written story that is engaging, historically accurate, believable and monumental.”
—ALPHA GOTO, The International Examiner
“Bearing the weight of their own family’s history, Of White Ashes rises as a tribute to resilience and an exploration of the past echoing into the present. This work is not simply a story, but an emblematic journey that evokes contemplation on the enduring strength of humanity and the urgent reminder of history’s capacity to repeat itself.”
—TOM BARNAS, Stories from the 78
“Full of the spirit of gaman, a Japanese virtue of enduring with patience and dignity, this book shows characters’ resilience and hope among devastation, and asks what our true destinies as humans are.”
—AMY WATKIN, The Historical Novels Review
“A stunningly beautiful story. What the Matsumotos give readers is a deep look at an important and troubling period in America’s struggle to understand itself. That it springs from their own family history only underscores its importance. From the internment camps to Hiroshima to the Korean War, Ruby and Koji persevered. Their story is the story of all of us.”
—CHRISTIAN KIEFER, author of Phantoms
“Sentimental and heartfelt, Of White Ashes is a profound exploration of love, loyalty, and duty in the face of unimaginable circumstances. An unfortunately timely debut that forces the reader to question everything they assume about how their one life should be lived."
—BRADFORD PEARSON, author of The Eagles of Heart Mountain: A True Story of Football, Incarceration, and Resistance in World War II America
“The chapters on the Hiroshima bombing and life in the camps raise to best of novel writing. Only a writer with a personal family history could personalize the impact in both despairing episodes. Only the heartless will fail to feel the pain. The useless, unnecessary pain.”
—MIKE MALAGHAN, author of Picture Bride and A Question of Loyalty
“What an utterly breathtaking book! Of White Ashes celebrates the human spirit and its incredible ability to endure, even in the worst of situations. It also cautions us to reflect on our own biases and prejudices to ensure that unlawful incarceration based on race never happens again. All in all, I highly anticipate this being one of my favorite books of the year.”
“Of White Ashes illuminates the real lives of those burdened by the weight of war, hate, and one of the darkest days humankind has ever known. Most importantly, it declares that the greatest power of life is to transcend mere survival. A rich and necessary novel.”
—ZACH POWERS, Artistic Director of the Writer’s Center and author of First Cosmic Velocity
“Ruby and Koji’s stories are deeply rooted in the trauma of wartime and show the unique forces that affected Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II. The redemptive power of love allows Ruby to confront her bitter legacy and come through her pain of betrayal and injustice, finding a healing through openness and forgiveness. Lessons for all of us.”
—CLAUDIA KATAYANAGI, director of A Bitter Legacy: The Untold Stories of American Concentration Camps
