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Title:	At the Foot of the Cherry Tree
Authors:	Parker, Alli
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	336
Year:	2023
Language:	English
Description:	Having survived the bombing of Hiroshima, 16-year-old Cherry Sakuramoto is not expecting to fall in love with a soldier in the occupying forces. Gordon Park is himself only 18 but possessed with a great deal of determination, a quality that their future life together will hinge on, with the White Australia policy preventing Cherry from returning home with Gordon. Powerful, poignant and heartwarming, this is the story of Australia's first Japanese war bride, based on the lives of the author's grandparents.
Categories:	Fiction, War theme, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Faction, Historical, Human Rights, Love Story, Political, Relationships, Japan, Australia, 2026 Titles

Reviews

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By: TAUR 061		2026-03-30 17:57:48

Once again we were transported into a world few of us knew much about - post war Japan. Themes were universal - interracial marriage, racism, white is might - however, Parker leaves us with a sense of hope which is refreshing. In light of our current global issues, we need it! At times, the character development/narrative arc was rushed.

By: NELS 040		2026-03-24 16:49:32

Everyone loved this book. We learned a lot from this story.

By: AUCK 272		2025-12-19 17:13:54

Very interesting history.

By: PALMN 023		2025-10-31 17:06:47

Our ladies loved this book. Majority scored an 8/10 for enjoyment.

By: AUCK 412		2025-10-04 21:28:12

Everyone found this book very interesting and well-written. We especially liked that it was based on a true story, written by the granddaughter. Very poignant and thought-provoking.

By: CHCH 447		2025-09-01 10:22:02

The book generated much discussion about mixed families and related challenges. Discussion also focused on WWII.

By: AUCK 038		2025-06-09 10:27:57

Interesting background - none of us knew about the 'White Australia' policy. Could have done with more editorial help.

By: NELS 012		2025-05-08 10:15:24

Most thought the book was average, but it did give insight into life for the Japanese after the war.

By: INVER 002		2025-04-02 10:01:35

The writing was reader friendly but some wanted more general information. Earned 4 points for the quality of discussion that evolved.

By: KAIK 001		2025-02-26 11:45:19

A lovely story. We learnt a lot we hadn't known about what happened to these wives. The characters were very brave.