The Japanese Lover

From the internationally bestselling author Isabel Allende comes The Japanese Lover, an exquisitely crafted, multigenerational love story that seamlessly interweaves the past and the present, showcasing the enduring power of human connection against the backdrop of history's most tumultuous events.

In 1939, as Poland falls under the ominous shadow of the Nazis and the world edges towards war, young Alma Belasco's parents make the heartrending decision to send her overseas to safety. Alma is taken in by her aunt and uncle who reside in an opulent mansion in San Francisco, where her new life begins. It is here she meets Ichimei Fukuda, the gentle and artistic son of the family’s Japanese gardener. Amidst the turmoil of impending global conflict, Alma and Ichimei share a blossoming love that defies cultural and socio-economic bounds. However, their tender relationship is soon torn apart by the tragic events following Pearl Harbor, thrusting the two young lovers into a world where their bond must be kept secret.

Several decades later, Alma now resides in Lark House, a quirky, vibrant nursing home, and is nearing the end of her long, storied life. Irina Bazili, a young care worker at Lark House, struggles to come to terms with her own haunted past. She finds solace and curiosity in Alma's intriguing history, documented by a sequence of mysterious letters and gifts that have been sent to Alma over the years. Intrigued by these mementoes, Irina, together with Alma’s devoted grandson Seth, delves into the secrets of Alma's past. They uncover the tale of Alma and Ichimei's clandestine affair, a love that has withstood the test of time and remained concealed for nearly seventy years.

The Japanese Lover explores themes of memory, love, loss, and identity, set against the richly evocative landscapes of wartime Europe, wartime America, and modern-day California. Allende's narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, capturing the beautiful and tragic moments that form the tapestry of a lifetime. This novel is a celebration of love in all its forms, depicting the heart’s enduring pursuit of happiness and belonging despite the adversities it may face.