Of White Ashes - by Constance Hays Matsumoto & Kent Matsumoto (Paperback)

About the Book

The bombing of Pearl Harbor propels America into WWII and two Japanese Americans into chaos.

Book Synopsis

The bombing of Pearl Harbor propels America into WWII and two Japanese Americans into chaos. Separated by the Pacific, each embarks on a tumultuous path to survive childhood and live the American dream. Ruby Ishimaru loses her liberty and uproots from her Hawaii home to incarceration camps on the mainland. Koji Matsuo strains under the menacing clouds of the Japanese war machine and atomic bombing while concealing a dangerous secret-one that threatens his family's safety.

When destiny brings Ruby and Koji together in California, their chemistry is magnetic, but wounds of trauma run deep and threaten their love as another casualty of war.

Inspired by the true stories of the authors' family, Of White Ashes crosses oceans and cultures, illuminating the remarkable lives of ordinary people who endure seemingly unbearable hardship with dignity and patience. Their experiences compel us to reflect on the resilience of humanity and the risk of history repeating.

Review Quotes

"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, The Giver and John Newbery Medal winner

"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

"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

"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