Book Sirens
March 17, 2023
90 day read (3/17/25)
203 pages
Rec’d 12/17/24
2/17/2025-3/4/25
The story begins with Sarah introducing herself while seemingly traveling on a plane with her boss, Mr Kobayashi. They experience some turbulence where Sarah feels like the plane will crash. In her extreme distress she loudly announces that she wants to have a baby.
Through first person narration the story unfolds as Sarah describes the past events of her life. Sarah Green is a 37 year old woman who has always had a fascination with Japan, the people and culture. She grew up in New Jersey living a typical Jewish American childhood. While her best friend Naomi becomes a fire fighter, Sarah works endlessly to achieve the higher education necessary to be successful. Her goal has always been to move to Japan remembering the advice of her Rabi Eli, “Don’t forget your role”.
Finally, Sarah receives a job offer as the first woman executive at a firm in Japan. She had her first experience working in Japan was in 1998 when her current employer sent her to work in Hiroshima for a few months. There are many references with explanations of typical Japanese traditions which are not commonly known to Americans. As Sarah learns to adjust to Japanese culture and traditions, there are many embarrassing but laughable moments due to her misunderstanding.
I got lost in some of the story as I didn’t sense a main plot of where or what direction the novel would go. It didn’t come together until about half way through when Sarah’s trips to Japan became more frequent and she decided to move there. Meeting and marrying Ben had never been part of her long term plan. Fortunately, she convinces him to move with her to Japan for this unique executive level opportunity. It had been her dream and being a writer Ben decides it just might work.
Married life in Japan becomes more than either of them anticipated. Ben becomes lonely and depressed because Sarah works full-time and is barely home with all the mandatory business travel. Even when Ben’s parents come to visit, there is an obvious strain between the couple.
Life becomes more complex with their relationship with accusations of infidelity and abandonment. I found the references and explanations of the Japanese culture interesting. I felt the story needed more structure and a clear objective from the beginning of the book. I only continued as I had committed to writing a review and I often don’t abandon books in hopes of finding something in the end. This book was like that in I started with one thought and as I read got confused as to the book’s purpose. The meaning becomes clearer at the end but I fear most people might abandon it before they finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and BookSirens. This voluntary review is my honest unbiased opinion.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2548246752-61d7eea6-6e5b-4857-8524-4899339903ca
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7092983870
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