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At the Foot of the Cherry Tree
A stirring story of love and hope, based on the incredible true story of Australia's first Japanese war bride and a love that changed a nation forever.
Gordon Parker is just an eager eighteen-year-old Australian boy desperate to fight for his country, and Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto is a sixteen-year-old girl struggling to survive in Japan in the aftermath of World War II. But when they fall in love, they change the course of history.
When Gordon arrived in Japan, he expected ruthless samurai, angry Japanese men ready to kill Australians at every corner. Instead, he found Cherry, terrified of ex-enemy soldiers, a 16-year-old survivor of the atomic bomb. Against all the rules and against all odds, they fall in love. But when Gordon discovers the White Australia Policy prevents Cherry coming home with him as his war bride, Gordon does what any 20-year-old soldier would do. He vows to fight. Leaving Cherry alone and pregnant in post-war Japan, Gordon somehow has to convinces his family to accept his marriage and wage a desperate campaign against a xenophobic and war-scarred government to allow his wife and his family to come home.
A story spanning seven years and two countries reeling from the aftermath of war, At the Foot of the Cherry Tree is a sweeping and moving novel about faith, trust, and the power of a love that alters history - written by Gordon and Cherry's granddaughter, accomplished scriptwriter, Alli Parker.
Gordon Parker is just an eager eighteen-year-old Australian boy desperate to fight for his country, and Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto is a sixteen-year-old girl struggling to survive in Japan in the aftermath of World War II. But when they fall in love, they change the course of history.
When Gordon arrived in Japan, he expected ruthless samurai, angry Japanese men ready to kill Australians at every corner. Instead, he found Cherry, terrified of ex-enemy soldiers, a 16-year-old survivor of the atomic bomb. Against all the rules and against all odds, they fall in love. But when Gordon discovers the White Australia Policy prevents Cherry coming home with him as his war bride, Gordon does what any 20-year-old soldier would do. He vows to fight. Leaving Cherry alone and pregnant in post-war Japan, Gordon somehow has to convinces his family to accept his marriage and wage a desperate campaign against a xenophobic and war-scarred government to allow his wife and his family to come home.
A story spanning seven years and two countries reeling from the aftermath of war, At the Foot of the Cherry Tree is a sweeping and moving novel about faith, trust, and the power of a love that alters history - written by Gordon and Cherry's granddaughter, accomplished scriptwriter, Alli Parker.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2023
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August 3, 2023
Gordon Parker is only eighteen years old when his father gives his permission for him to join the Australian army and he leaves the family farm in Ringwood, Victoria. After basic training he’s sent to Japan as a member of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, he stationed in Kure and he helps in the medical clinic.
Nobuko Sakuramoto survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, she moves to Kure and works as a maid at the army base. Nobuko is sixteen, she’s scared of the enemy soldiers and they provide her with two much needed meals a day.
Gordon and Cherry fall in love, the Australian army doesn't want soldiers having relationships with Japanese women, many do so in secret and they won't give permission for couples to get married. Gordon returns to Australia, he promises Cherry they will be together again and he has no idea the reception he’s going to receive when he arrives home. His parents are concerned for his and their other children’s well-being, the Australian public don’t like Japanese people and I can understand why.
Cherry is in Japan, where the attitude towards women having relationships with Australian soldiers is taboo, despite being married to Gordon she’s considered a fallen woman, she subjected to verbal abuse and she's terrified. Gordon fights for he and Cherry to be together again, she’s pregnant with their first child, it takes four years of writing letters, making phone calls, lobbying, frustration and tears to achieve his goal.
I received a digital copy of At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree by Alli Parker from HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A remarkable story about love and overcoming prejudice, and one man’s perseverance to bring his Japanese wife to Australia, he challenged the governments 'White Australia Policy' and managed to obtain a visa. Gordon Parker was an extraordinary man, he never gave up, with determination, he had faith and conviction.
Based on a true story, Alli Parker's debut novel about her grandparents is outstanding, it's emotional, moving and it made me cry in a good way. Five stars from me, a must read about Australia's first Japanese war bride and the couples lasting family legacy.
Nobuko Sakuramoto survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, she moves to Kure and works as a maid at the army base. Nobuko is sixteen, she’s scared of the enemy soldiers and they provide her with two much needed meals a day.
Gordon and Cherry fall in love, the Australian army doesn't want soldiers having relationships with Japanese women, many do so in secret and they won't give permission for couples to get married. Gordon returns to Australia, he promises Cherry they will be together again and he has no idea the reception he’s going to receive when he arrives home. His parents are concerned for his and their other children’s well-being, the Australian public don’t like Japanese people and I can understand why.
Cherry is in Japan, where the attitude towards women having relationships with Australian soldiers is taboo, despite being married to Gordon she’s considered a fallen woman, she subjected to verbal abuse and she's terrified. Gordon fights for he and Cherry to be together again, she’s pregnant with their first child, it takes four years of writing letters, making phone calls, lobbying, frustration and tears to achieve his goal.
I received a digital copy of At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree by Alli Parker from HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A remarkable story about love and overcoming prejudice, and one man’s perseverance to bring his Japanese wife to Australia, he challenged the governments 'White Australia Policy' and managed to obtain a visa. Gordon Parker was an extraordinary man, he never gave up, with determination, he had faith and conviction.
Based on a true story, Alli Parker's debut novel about her grandparents is outstanding, it's emotional, moving and it made me cry in a good way. Five stars from me, a must read about Australia's first Japanese war bride and the couples lasting family legacy.
July 9, 2023
'[it's] a fundamental truth in that the power of love is stronger than any of us could have imagined'.
Undeterred when WW2 ended before Gordon Parker finished training camp, he enlisted in the Occupational Forces effort based in Japan. After reading the army-issued, 'Know Japan' brochure en route, the anti-fraternisation rules for soldiers were made very clear, 'You don't want to mix yellow and white. It's not pretty'. The Japanese are just as vehement, steering clear of the 'ex-enemy' soldiers. The reality though, proved to be shaded in greys, and when Parker met Hiroshima survivor, Sakura, the lines completely blurred. The story of love and survival that should never have begun quickly became a personal battle to survive, 'No Australian is permitted to outrage the feelings of widows and mothers by flaunting Japanese women before their eyes'.
Alli Parker taps into her own family's history to bring us this story of love in the midst of hate; blossoming where it never should have even grown: the tension and ill feelings that existed after the war between the victors and vanquished, the utter destruction and poverty in parts of Japan, and the discriminatory policies in place to keep Australia 'safe'. True love truly moved mountains here. Of course, any historical fiction lover - especially one that would enjoy reading on a different aspect of WW2 and its aftermath - will appreciate this book.
Undeterred when WW2 ended before Gordon Parker finished training camp, he enlisted in the Occupational Forces effort based in Japan. After reading the army-issued, 'Know Japan' brochure en route, the anti-fraternisation rules for soldiers were made very clear, 'You don't want to mix yellow and white. It's not pretty'. The Japanese are just as vehement, steering clear of the 'ex-enemy' soldiers. The reality though, proved to be shaded in greys, and when Parker met Hiroshima survivor, Sakura, the lines completely blurred. The story of love and survival that should never have begun quickly became a personal battle to survive, 'No Australian is permitted to outrage the feelings of widows and mothers by flaunting Japanese women before their eyes'.
Alli Parker taps into her own family's history to bring us this story of love in the midst of hate; blossoming where it never should have even grown: the tension and ill feelings that existed after the war between the victors and vanquished, the utter destruction and poverty in parts of Japan, and the discriminatory policies in place to keep Australia 'safe'. True love truly moved mountains here. Of course, any historical fiction lover - especially one that would enjoy reading on a different aspect of WW2 and its aftermath - will appreciate this book.
December 26, 2023
At the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker is based on a true story. This was an incredible and beautifully written story.
This book takes the reader on a journey unlike any other with in-depth layers of history during WW2. A heartbreaking and moving story, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. And what a beautiful and eye-catching cover. Highly recommended.
This book takes the reader on a journey unlike any other with in-depth layers of history during WW2. A heartbreaking and moving story, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. And what a beautiful and eye-catching cover. Highly recommended.
October 28, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“Sometimes hope for something false is better than no hope at all.”
Alli Parker's debut novel At the Foot of the Cherry Tree is a fictionalized version of her own grandparents' story of how they met in Japan during the aftermath of World War II and the challenges they faced to bring about change in how the rules of Australia law viewed soldiers and their war brides. Since my school years, historical fiction has always held a special place in my heart; some of my favorite books are in that genre. Plus, the cover was too gorgeous for me to resist, so I had to give it a try. 😍 Drawing inspiration from their past, the author wrote with a very honest and gentle touch that showcased some terrifyingly raw moments, but still laced with heart-breaking yet hopeful resilience, that made this such an interesting read for me. 🌸🌸
“Funny, isn’t it, that when you treat them like people, you find out they’re just like us?”
From their first meeting, Gordon was charmed by Nobuko - their relationship blossoming under the cherry blossom tree was written so tenderly and so beautifully. I felt like I was witnessing their time in Japan with my own eyes - the chapters dedicated to the years spent in Japan as they became closer made me feel as if I was witnessing their moments with my own eyes. It was so sweet to see just how sweet they were with each other - how Gordon felt comfortably shy around her, how Nobuko felt comfortable to speak English in whatever way she knew how. 🥰🥰 I appreciated how much care was given into showing their different lifestyles - two different worlds - how they truly were from opposite sides, but both of them attempted in such soft gentle gestures to pave a bridge where they could meet - that their feelings were genuine and meaningful to both of them. 💞
Even with the lingering resentment - the constant hatred shown from both sides, I liked that there were still some polite and welcoming few that tried to make a difference - that didn't treat Japan as just a wartime place, but people who had suffered a tremendous loss. The chapter where Gordon and his fellow soldiers visited the aftermath of Hiroshima was brutally devastating - hauntingly painful and described with a delicate grace of a lifetime lost forever with the vestige of their existence still hanging in the rubble. 🥺 The quiet was eerie. A soft whistle of wind as it moved through the destroyed city but no rustle of branches {...} Seeing the devastation that Hiroshima and Kure had suffered threw the whole thing into a different light. It was real. It had happened. The evidence of that was all around them.' 😟😟 Gently described yet vividly portrayed, the impact it had on those soldiers and even how it changed Nobuko's life was one of the most poignant parts for me.
'New faces appeared every day, old ones disappeared without a word. It was simply the way of this new world,' but Nobuko's kindness and tentative English-speaking skills made her become something worth taking notice of for Gordon. She was patient and caring, very considerate of his thoughts and he enjoyed spending time with her, despite the prevalent disapproval of such a relationship. The inherent fear and disgrace that Nobuko had to experience for being caught associating with an Australian soldier - it was too painful - I felt it in my gut at how she almost would pay dearly with her life for it. 💘💘 The writing was evocative and showed the hardships they had to endure simply for falling in love - the emotional range of their love surpassing the rampant watchful eyes of those who wished to keep them apart with the promise of 'I love you. Be safe. Don’t forget me' - I hoped that it would not be too long for them to be a family again. ❤️🩹 ❤️🩹
“...but it would be the grossest act of public indecency to permit any Japanese of either sex to pollute Australian shores while any relatives remain of Australian soldiers dead in the Pacific battlefields. No Australian is permitted to outrage the feelings of widows and mothers by flaunting Japanese women before their eyes.’”
Anger threatened to spill out of him, to incinerate the words that hung in the air between them. ‘Apparently my wife and I would be committing the grossest act of public indecency.’
Venn flicked through some pages, a wry smile on her face. ‘So there is no hope? All is lost? You’ll languish and waste away, pining for your Japanese bride?’
Gordon ignored her teasing. ‘Not quite.”
I was really touched to see how very much determined and steadfast Gordon was for bringing Cherry and his girls home; he never wavered in his belief that he could convince the government to see how much they meant to him, that it seemed unjust and so cruel to not be taken seriously. 'Why do they do this to us? We’re just two chaps who fell in love. We shouldn’t be punished for that.’. 😔 Even at the detriment of his health, his studies, his own status of self-being, he fought and fought - and that moment when he won - was so uplifting that I silently cheered. And the fact that the facts never seemed to take away from the personal narrative, that I was never riddled with stats or figures to show how much progress is being made steadily - just not enough - till victory was actually in their grasp. I was really grateful for that; for the beauty of historical fiction is to learn something real - even if it is fiction - and I did learn something new.
The shame and scorn and ridicule Gordon faced from his peers and the authoritative figures that did not take him seriously, cautioning him to abandon his efforts - the constant rejection to his please and demands for just one chance. His own family - unwilling at first in their son's plight, but when accepting how fervent he was in bringing them home, they were unwavering in their support. 👍🏻👍🏻 It's these little details that are filtered throughout - brief interludes that test Gordon's resolve, but still - despite the time apart - it only makes him all the more resolute to bring his family home that Nobuko and his family is all that matters to him - society and appearances mean nothing much against the love he has for his wife and daughters.
“Then you go back to Australia?’
‘Not if I can help it. But maybe. We’ve just got to have hope.’
Hope. A four-letter word that belied the pain and suffering that was so often attached to it. Cherry had spent her entire life with hope. Hoping for peace. Hoping for calm ... Hoping one day she’d belong.”
Their patience and resilience really does pay off, in the end. All the years of waiting and hoping - even at the moments when all hope was lost - that it felt futile to even dream that people could change their views - that when it finally happened, the struggle felt justly rewarded. 🥹 I loved seeing how Cherry did not abandon herself or simply accept defeat; she honed her skills, she made a name for herself, she kept faith and believed that all would be well again. Even at her bleakest and darkest moments, 'Cherry never succumbed to the temptation. Her mother wouldn’t have stood for such vengeful thoughts. The best way to treat people was with respect, regardless of how they treated you,' and I really admired that. That even without losing hope, she never lost her spirit or her courage either; and neither did Gordon. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
For, when Cherry and her daughters finally did arrive home in Melbourne into welcoming arms of acceptance and family love, I didn't think anyone deserved it more than them. And knowing that it's a true story - knowing that it inspired change for so many others - gave strength to those brave enough to wait and arrive in a foreign land with ' the weary knowledge of what it had been like to live through war, to survive every day not knowing where safety lay, to wake up each day not knowing who would be there at the end' leaves a mark of respect in my heart for what they had to endure, only to come out as survivors and with the thought that ‘I hope all our lives finally have peace.’ 💮💮
“Sometimes hope for something false is better than no hope at all.”
Alli Parker's debut novel At the Foot of the Cherry Tree is a fictionalized version of her own grandparents' story of how they met in Japan during the aftermath of World War II and the challenges they faced to bring about change in how the rules of Australia law viewed soldiers and their war brides. Since my school years, historical fiction has always held a special place in my heart; some of my favorite books are in that genre. Plus, the cover was too gorgeous for me to resist, so I had to give it a try. 😍 Drawing inspiration from their past, the author wrote with a very honest and gentle touch that showcased some terrifyingly raw moments, but still laced with heart-breaking yet hopeful resilience, that made this such an interesting read for me. 🌸🌸
“Funny, isn’t it, that when you treat them like people, you find out they’re just like us?”
From their first meeting, Gordon was charmed by Nobuko - their relationship blossoming under the cherry blossom tree was written so tenderly and so beautifully. I felt like I was witnessing their time in Japan with my own eyes - the chapters dedicated to the years spent in Japan as they became closer made me feel as if I was witnessing their moments with my own eyes. It was so sweet to see just how sweet they were with each other - how Gordon felt comfortably shy around her, how Nobuko felt comfortable to speak English in whatever way she knew how. 🥰🥰 I appreciated how much care was given into showing their different lifestyles - two different worlds - how they truly were from opposite sides, but both of them attempted in such soft gentle gestures to pave a bridge where they could meet - that their feelings were genuine and meaningful to both of them. 💞
Even with the lingering resentment - the constant hatred shown from both sides, I liked that there were still some polite and welcoming few that tried to make a difference - that didn't treat Japan as just a wartime place, but people who had suffered a tremendous loss. The chapter where Gordon and his fellow soldiers visited the aftermath of Hiroshima was brutally devastating - hauntingly painful and described with a delicate grace of a lifetime lost forever with the vestige of their existence still hanging in the rubble. 🥺 The quiet was eerie. A soft whistle of wind as it moved through the destroyed city but no rustle of branches {...} Seeing the devastation that Hiroshima and Kure had suffered threw the whole thing into a different light. It was real. It had happened. The evidence of that was all around them.' 😟😟 Gently described yet vividly portrayed, the impact it had on those soldiers and even how it changed Nobuko's life was one of the most poignant parts for me.
'New faces appeared every day, old ones disappeared without a word. It was simply the way of this new world,' but Nobuko's kindness and tentative English-speaking skills made her become something worth taking notice of for Gordon. She was patient and caring, very considerate of his thoughts and he enjoyed spending time with her, despite the prevalent disapproval of such a relationship. The inherent fear and disgrace that Nobuko had to experience for being caught associating with an Australian soldier - it was too painful - I felt it in my gut at how she almost would pay dearly with her life for it. 💘💘 The writing was evocative and showed the hardships they had to endure simply for falling in love - the emotional range of their love surpassing the rampant watchful eyes of those who wished to keep them apart with the promise of 'I love you. Be safe. Don’t forget me' - I hoped that it would not be too long for them to be a family again. ❤️🩹 ❤️🩹
“...but it would be the grossest act of public indecency to permit any Japanese of either sex to pollute Australian shores while any relatives remain of Australian soldiers dead in the Pacific battlefields. No Australian is permitted to outrage the feelings of widows and mothers by flaunting Japanese women before their eyes.’”
Anger threatened to spill out of him, to incinerate the words that hung in the air between them. ‘Apparently my wife and I would be committing the grossest act of public indecency.’
Venn flicked through some pages, a wry smile on her face. ‘So there is no hope? All is lost? You’ll languish and waste away, pining for your Japanese bride?’
Gordon ignored her teasing. ‘Not quite.”
I was really touched to see how very much determined and steadfast Gordon was for bringing Cherry and his girls home; he never wavered in his belief that he could convince the government to see how much they meant to him, that it seemed unjust and so cruel to not be taken seriously. 'Why do they do this to us? We’re just two chaps who fell in love. We shouldn’t be punished for that.’. 😔 Even at the detriment of his health, his studies, his own status of self-being, he fought and fought - and that moment when he won - was so uplifting that I silently cheered. And the fact that the facts never seemed to take away from the personal narrative, that I was never riddled with stats or figures to show how much progress is being made steadily - just not enough - till victory was actually in their grasp. I was really grateful for that; for the beauty of historical fiction is to learn something real - even if it is fiction - and I did learn something new.
The shame and scorn and ridicule Gordon faced from his peers and the authoritative figures that did not take him seriously, cautioning him to abandon his efforts - the constant rejection to his please and demands for just one chance. His own family - unwilling at first in their son's plight, but when accepting how fervent he was in bringing them home, they were unwavering in their support. 👍🏻👍🏻 It's these little details that are filtered throughout - brief interludes that test Gordon's resolve, but still - despite the time apart - it only makes him all the more resolute to bring his family home that Nobuko and his family is all that matters to him - society and appearances mean nothing much against the love he has for his wife and daughters.
“Then you go back to Australia?’
‘Not if I can help it. But maybe. We’ve just got to have hope.’
Hope. A four-letter word that belied the pain and suffering that was so often attached to it. Cherry had spent her entire life with hope. Hoping for peace. Hoping for calm ... Hoping one day she’d belong.”
Their patience and resilience really does pay off, in the end. All the years of waiting and hoping - even at the moments when all hope was lost - that it felt futile to even dream that people could change their views - that when it finally happened, the struggle felt justly rewarded. 🥹 I loved seeing how Cherry did not abandon herself or simply accept defeat; she honed her skills, she made a name for herself, she kept faith and believed that all would be well again. Even at her bleakest and darkest moments, 'Cherry never succumbed to the temptation. Her mother wouldn’t have stood for such vengeful thoughts. The best way to treat people was with respect, regardless of how they treated you,' and I really admired that. That even without losing hope, she never lost her spirit or her courage either; and neither did Gordon. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
For, when Cherry and her daughters finally did arrive home in Melbourne into welcoming arms of acceptance and family love, I didn't think anyone deserved it more than them. And knowing that it's a true story - knowing that it inspired change for so many others - gave strength to those brave enough to wait and arrive in a foreign land with ' the weary knowledge of what it had been like to live through war, to survive every day not knowing where safety lay, to wake up each day not knowing who would be there at the end' leaves a mark of respect in my heart for what they had to endure, only to come out as survivors and with the thought that ‘I hope all our lives finally have peace.’ 💮💮
October 13, 2023
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
At the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker. (2023).
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 2 August 2023**
Gordon is an eager 18-year-old Australian boy desperate to fight for his country. Nobuko "Cherry" is a 16-year-old girl struggling to survive in Japan after WWII. But when they fall in love, they change the course of history. The White Australia policy prevents Cherry coming back to Australia with Gordon as his war bride so he vows to fight for her. Forced to leave her alone and pregnant in post-war Japan, Gordon has to convince his family to accept his marriage and wage a desperate campaign against a xenophobic and war-scarred government to allow his wife and children to come home to Australia.
I'll admit that it took a little bit for me to get into this one - I didn't mind it at the start but it was about 50/60 pages in where I started feeling really invested, which is about at the point where Nobuko and Don start really getting to know one another. The storyline of their love and Don's struggle to get Nobuko to Australia was a bit of an eye-opener for me; it was a part of history that I hadn't ever thought about, and honestly it made me quite angry at times to the point where I put the book down to rant at my husband how unfair it all was. There was also many scenes that were quite confronting: the racism showed by Australian soldiers, the descriptions of Hiroshima, the isolation Nobuko experiences while alone and waiting in Japan with her children. Knowing it is all based on a true story makes it an even more powerful read.
Overall: a moving read, I think the author's grandparents would be very proud to see their story shared.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
At the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker. (2023).
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 2 August 2023**
Gordon is an eager 18-year-old Australian boy desperate to fight for his country. Nobuko "Cherry" is a 16-year-old girl struggling to survive in Japan after WWII. But when they fall in love, they change the course of history. The White Australia policy prevents Cherry coming back to Australia with Gordon as his war bride so he vows to fight for her. Forced to leave her alone and pregnant in post-war Japan, Gordon has to convince his family to accept his marriage and wage a desperate campaign against a xenophobic and war-scarred government to allow his wife and children to come home to Australia.
I'll admit that it took a little bit for me to get into this one - I didn't mind it at the start but it was about 50/60 pages in where I started feeling really invested, which is about at the point where Nobuko and Don start really getting to know one another. The storyline of their love and Don's struggle to get Nobuko to Australia was a bit of an eye-opener for me; it was a part of history that I hadn't ever thought about, and honestly it made me quite angry at times to the point where I put the book down to rant at my husband how unfair it all was. There was also many scenes that were quite confronting: the racism showed by Australian soldiers, the descriptions of Hiroshima, the isolation Nobuko experiences while alone and waiting in Japan with her children. Knowing it is all based on a true story makes it an even more powerful read.
Overall: a moving read, I think the author's grandparents would be very proud to see their story shared.
September 7, 2024
Received an ARC of this from work and wow…
I am struggling to find the words and sentences to say how fucking amazing this story is.
The pacing was absolutely perfect. From someone who struggles getting through long chapters, I did not struggle AT ALL through this. There were perfect pauses and breaks within the chapters that allowed me to breathe for a second and not feel too overwhelmed.
As a person of colour living in Australia, the subject of racism and micro-aggressions were amazingly represented in this story. I typically avoid stories like this and anything historical because it upsets me so greatly to see the similarities between past and present day Australia. But Alli has written this in such a beautiful way that it didn’t cause too much pain. Even though parts of this is fiction, it was still so realistic.
Alli Parker’s writing is absolutely beautiful and so easy to read and digest.
There was an amazing balance between the heaviness of the subject and themes, and the lightheartedness of the romance and relationships. This doesn’t mean that Gordon and Nobuko’s relationship doesn’t have dark and troubling times.
The ending was amazing as well. It reiterated the fact that although Cherry got a happy ending, it wasn’t all rainbows and happiness due to the racism and aggression she received. Even from Don himself who is pictured as the hero, we still see his dark side and the fact that he isn’t perfect.
Overall, I loved this and there is not a single thing I can complain about.
I am struggling to find the words and sentences to say how fucking amazing this story is.
The pacing was absolutely perfect. From someone who struggles getting through long chapters, I did not struggle AT ALL through this. There were perfect pauses and breaks within the chapters that allowed me to breathe for a second and not feel too overwhelmed.
As a person of colour living in Australia, the subject of racism and micro-aggressions were amazingly represented in this story. I typically avoid stories like this and anything historical because it upsets me so greatly to see the similarities between past and present day Australia. But Alli has written this in such a beautiful way that it didn’t cause too much pain. Even though parts of this is fiction, it was still so realistic.
Alli Parker’s writing is absolutely beautiful and so easy to read and digest.
There was an amazing balance between the heaviness of the subject and themes, and the lightheartedness of the romance and relationships. This doesn’t mean that Gordon and Nobuko’s relationship doesn’t have dark and troubling times.
The ending was amazing as well. It reiterated the fact that although Cherry got a happy ending, it wasn’t all rainbows and happiness due to the racism and aggression she received. Even from Don himself who is pictured as the hero, we still see his dark side and the fact that he isn’t perfect.
Overall, I loved this and there is not a single thing I can complain about.
August 3, 2023
Thank you Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
Love makes the world go around while hate splinters harmony and creates embedded chasms that disperse over generations.
Making racism very real and universally widespread.
True love will withstand any obstacle whether it be legal, prejudice or distance.
The irony that a war between sworn enemies was the catalyst for an enduring love.
Arriving in Japan to serve his country just after the World War Two, Donald develops a respect for the place and its people.
Meeting a local girl and falling in love was not on the agenda.
The heart and destiny have their own paths.
Cherry and Gordon technically were breaking the fraternisation rule, breaching cultural taboos and were prepared to sacrifice what they had to in order to be together.
Bureaucracy, policy and social acceptance were hurdles they battled to ensure the love and family they created could live as a family unit.
Based on a true story this is a sweeping saga that will tug at every emotion and have you barracking for a union and a life that was meant to be.
From the annihilation of Hiroshima to the white Australia policy I was immersed in this beautiful story and engaged in a chapter of history that keeps giving.
Cherry and Gordon represent the cornerstones of humanity and show love has no boundaries.
The beautiful cover is just the beginning.
Love makes the world go around while hate splinters harmony and creates embedded chasms that disperse over generations.
Making racism very real and universally widespread.
True love will withstand any obstacle whether it be legal, prejudice or distance.
The irony that a war between sworn enemies was the catalyst for an enduring love.
Arriving in Japan to serve his country just after the World War Two, Donald develops a respect for the place and its people.
Meeting a local girl and falling in love was not on the agenda.
The heart and destiny have their own paths.
Cherry and Gordon technically were breaking the fraternisation rule, breaching cultural taboos and were prepared to sacrifice what they had to in order to be together.
Bureaucracy, policy and social acceptance were hurdles they battled to ensure the love and family they created could live as a family unit.
Based on a true story this is a sweeping saga that will tug at every emotion and have you barracking for a union and a life that was meant to be.
From the annihilation of Hiroshima to the white Australia policy I was immersed in this beautiful story and engaged in a chapter of history that keeps giving.
Cherry and Gordon represent the cornerstones of humanity and show love has no boundaries.
The beautiful cover is just the beginning.
September 16, 2023
Absolutely loved it!
Parker tells a fictionalised story of her grandparents, an Australian soldier and a Japanese woman, who meet in Kure, Japan, in 1946 and fall in love, which is against all the rules at the time. What follows is a true story of resilience as the two young lovers try to change the minds of the Australian government and the Australian people about the White Australia policy.
Parker’s grandmother was the first Japanese war bride to be permitted to enter Australia, a process that took eight long years. It’s both a fascinating and heartbreaking tale of prejudice and stubbornness – thankfully Cherry and Gordon’s stubbornness is the victor here and also a catalyst for a too-slow change in attitudes towards immigration in Australia.
This is a solid recommend from me. Go add it to your tbr pile now!
Parker tells a fictionalised story of her grandparents, an Australian soldier and a Japanese woman, who meet in Kure, Japan, in 1946 and fall in love, which is against all the rules at the time. What follows is a true story of resilience as the two young lovers try to change the minds of the Australian government and the Australian people about the White Australia policy.
Parker’s grandmother was the first Japanese war bride to be permitted to enter Australia, a process that took eight long years. It’s both a fascinating and heartbreaking tale of prejudice and stubbornness – thankfully Cherry and Gordon’s stubbornness is the victor here and also a catalyst for a too-slow change in attitudes towards immigration in Australia.
This is a solid recommend from me. Go add it to your tbr pile now!
January 4, 2024
Did not finish. Read like a screenplay rather than a novel (the author is a screen writer so understandable). Novels that I enjoy have a 'show, don't tell' narration, so I found this one a bit cardboard like.
The characters all seem very cliche and I am annoyed by the 'white-saviour' trope.
I found the history aspect interesting, but not enough to keep me turning the pages. Sorry!
The characters all seem very cliche and I am annoyed by the 'white-saviour' trope.
I found the history aspect interesting, but not enough to keep me turning the pages. Sorry!
July 31, 2023
I was completely honoured to have gotten to read an early copy of At the Foot of the Cherry Tree. I absolutely loved watching Don and Cherry meet, fall in love and plan a life together.
I cannot think of another novel I have read that started in Japan 1945, that allowed me to see the million and one micro-aggressions and out and out racism on both sides. I loved seeing up close the Japanese culture through Nobuko and seeing Australia in the 1940s and 50s; fascinating. The White Australia policy, the attitudes of Australians to the Japanese…I seem to really enjoy leaning my history through fiction, and At the Foot of the Cherry Tree gave me all the learning and the feels. I loved every page.
I cannot think of another novel I have read that started in Japan 1945, that allowed me to see the million and one micro-aggressions and out and out racism on both sides. I loved seeing up close the Japanese culture through Nobuko and seeing Australia in the 1940s and 50s; fascinating. The White Australia policy, the attitudes of Australians to the Japanese…I seem to really enjoy leaning my history through fiction, and At the Foot of the Cherry Tree gave me all the learning and the feels. I loved every page.
June 4, 2023
Turning her considerable screenwriting chops to prose, Alli Parker takes inspiration from her family history to weave a story that is in turn nostalgic, harrowing, adventurous, romantic, heartbreaking and hopeful.
Eager to serve his country in the war effort in the Pacific, Gordon Parker reports to the army recruitment office on his eighteenth birthday... but the war ends before his basic training is over. He signs up for a post in Japan anyway, hopeful fighting will break out again or that he'll have a chance to prove himself... but upon arrival his dreams of glory are chased away by the grim reality of the destruction of Hiroshima.
Nobuko Sakuramoto is a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, impoverished and trying to support her father and uncle by working on the Australian Army base. She's afraid of the soldiers, knowing all too well that any perceived impropriety with one of the invading men will ruin her life and reputation. But one act of kindness sets her on a path to risk everything.
Balancing a star-crossed love story with a searing reflection on Australian racism at an individual and institutional level, At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree is a beautiful new Aussie classic that asks us not to give up on love, community, and the pursuit of a better world, no matter how high the odds are stacked against us.
Eager to serve his country in the war effort in the Pacific, Gordon Parker reports to the army recruitment office on his eighteenth birthday... but the war ends before his basic training is over. He signs up for a post in Japan anyway, hopeful fighting will break out again or that he'll have a chance to prove himself... but upon arrival his dreams of glory are chased away by the grim reality of the destruction of Hiroshima.
Nobuko Sakuramoto is a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, impoverished and trying to support her father and uncle by working on the Australian Army base. She's afraid of the soldiers, knowing all too well that any perceived impropriety with one of the invading men will ruin her life and reputation. But one act of kindness sets her on a path to risk everything.
Balancing a star-crossed love story with a searing reflection on Australian racism at an individual and institutional level, At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree is a beautiful new Aussie classic that asks us not to give up on love, community, and the pursuit of a better world, no matter how high the odds are stacked against us.
December 29, 2023
Aside from the amount of times Gordon said “ridgey didge”
September 3, 2023
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and while it was a 5-star story I had to knock a star off for the narration. One of the main characters is a Japanese woman that when we meet her doesn't speak a word of English and by the end of the book speaks very broken English, and yet, her narrator has an Australian accent which is confusing and takes you out of the story. The narrator should have had a Japanese accent for accuracy and consistency. Aside from this complaint, I enjoyed the story of Cherry and Gordon and was rooting for the star-crossed lovers.
October 19, 2023
This was an interesting and well-written story, but it just wasn’t for me - I’m not the biggest fan of historical fiction and I found the pace very slow, and at times the writing was a bit cliche, but a very inspiring story overall.
September 5, 2023
A lovely read, based on a true story of the author's Japanese grandmother and Australian grandfather during WW2.
September 6, 2023
I did not expect that this is a true story. I downloaded an audiobook without even looking into synopsis. I liked the title, guessed it has something to do with Japan and I started listening. I am in awe of Gordon's and Cherry's story. I had no idea and haven't even thought about war brides before.
The fact that this is a true story definitely adds to the heaviness I've felt while listening. Last few chapters I've listened with tears in my eyes and I've rushed to Google as soon as I've finished to read more about this couple.
I think that sentence “….fundamental truth that the power of love is stronger than any of us could imagine” is the most accurate short description of their story. I loved the last part that gave us a short glance at how their lives ended up being in Australia. Also, I looove that this was written by their granddaughter, it adds so much weight on their story. Ah, I am still under impression from listening to their story.
The fact that this is a true story definitely adds to the heaviness I've felt while listening. Last few chapters I've listened with tears in my eyes and I've rushed to Google as soon as I've finished to read more about this couple.
I think that sentence “….fundamental truth that the power of love is stronger than any of us could imagine” is the most accurate short description of their story. I loved the last part that gave us a short glance at how their lives ended up being in Australia. Also, I looove that this was written by their granddaughter, it adds so much weight on their story. Ah, I am still under impression from listening to their story.
January 23, 2024
An entertaining and well written "fictionalized" account of the author's grandparents who were the first to successful obtain permission to enter Australia as an ex-serviceman and his Japanese born war bride.
Set in the aftermath of World War Two Japan, and to a lesser extent Australia, the novel is told through the perspectives of Gordon Parker, an eighteen year old boy from then rural Ringwood Victoria, and Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto, a sixteen year old Hiroshima survivor.
The writing is excellent and the characters and their experiences draw you in as they fight to gain recognition and acceptance under the White Australia Policy/1901 Immigration Act.
Highly recommended historical fiction strongly based on fact and highlighting another dark period in Australia's immigration history.
Set in the aftermath of World War Two Japan, and to a lesser extent Australia, the novel is told through the perspectives of Gordon Parker, an eighteen year old boy from then rural Ringwood Victoria, and Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto, a sixteen year old Hiroshima survivor.
The writing is excellent and the characters and their experiences draw you in as they fight to gain recognition and acceptance under the White Australia Policy/1901 Immigration Act.
Highly recommended historical fiction strongly based on fact and highlighting another dark period in Australia's immigration history.
August 20, 2023
This book was such a heartwarming story of star crossed lovers defeating all odds set against them.. it was easy to fall in love with the Parkers, and I was immediately rooting for Gordon and Cherry.
I love that the story didn’t shy away from the harsh reality of racism within white Australia, though at the same time—through Gordon, his family and friends showcased that true compassionate, accepting Aussie spirit…
What a beautiful testimony to the authors grandparents… ❤️
I love that the story didn’t shy away from the harsh reality of racism within white Australia, though at the same time—through Gordon, his family and friends showcased that true compassionate, accepting Aussie spirit…
What a beautiful testimony to the authors grandparents… ❤️
April 21, 2024
This book has one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen!
The story inside was an emotional one.
Loosely based off the incredible story of Australia's first ever Japanese war bride, it was a real page turner.
Eighteen year old Gordon Parker is sent to war in Japan where he meets sixteen year old Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto and they quickly fall in love.
It was so beautiful to me that they fell in love despite the fact that they couldn't communicate verbally as they didn't know how to speak each others languages. It was the first time I've been on board with Insta-love!
Gordon and Cherry faced so many obstacles and were separated by laws and distance. They truly both fought so hard for their relationship, it brought me to tears many times.
Both characters were so strong!
Gordon for standing up to his family and the world, demanding change to bring his wife home.
Cherry for walking away from her family who would never accept her marriage and for surviving on so little but enduring what she did!
This book is a must read! I can't recommend it enough.
The story inside was an emotional one.
Loosely based off the incredible story of Australia's first ever Japanese war bride, it was a real page turner.
Eighteen year old Gordon Parker is sent to war in Japan where he meets sixteen year old Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto and they quickly fall in love.
It was so beautiful to me that they fell in love despite the fact that they couldn't communicate verbally as they didn't know how to speak each others languages. It was the first time I've been on board with Insta-love!
Gordon and Cherry faced so many obstacles and were separated by laws and distance. They truly both fought so hard for their relationship, it brought me to tears many times.
Both characters were so strong!
Gordon for standing up to his family and the world, demanding change to bring his wife home.
Cherry for walking away from her family who would never accept her marriage and for surviving on so little but enduring what she did!
This book is a must read! I can't recommend it enough.
January 18, 2025
I picked this book up in Melbourne Airport and I’m so glad I did. There are plenty of (excellent) WW2 historical fiction books out there, but I’ve not read any about the aftermath and particularly the fallout of the atomic bomb and defeat in Japan. What an amazing story based on real people, written by their screenwriter granddaughter. I found the political aspect regarding the White Australia Policy really interesting, particularly to compare to Australian immigration rules and positioning today.
March 15, 2024
Amazing! Such a beautiful true story
April 7, 2025
4 ⭐️ Loved this for a book club chat and read it at speed! Nothing life changing but an interesting story about a time in Australian and Japanese history that I didn’t know anything about.
May 3, 2025
this was so beautiful and so heartbreaking. 10/10 would recommend.
November 16, 2023
This is a beautiful love story, even sweeter reading this while in japan and also being Australian (subtle references to my home town in there too). So much has changed since the books timeline and for the better. This also added to my basic japanese which helped a lot, LOL! Either way, an amazing story ❤️
April 3, 2025
4.25⭐️
November 26, 2023
I am the minority on this one.
A suitably spirited story capturing the story of Australia's first Japanese war bride. A testament to the resilience of love in the face of adversity.
The story itself an important and interesting one to understand but the book was poorly written in my opinion, basic use of the English language which I find so uninspiring. Was a bit of a drag and quite sad and exhausting, I was happy to find the last page so I could put it down.
A suitably spirited story capturing the story of Australia's first Japanese war bride. A testament to the resilience of love in the face of adversity.
The story itself an important and interesting one to understand but the book was poorly written in my opinion, basic use of the English language which I find so uninspiring. Was a bit of a drag and quite sad and exhausting, I was happy to find the last page so I could put it down.
January 8, 2024
I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t get into it. It was incredibly slow paced and hard to pick up. Whilst it’s an inspiring story about how love conquers all and how their live survives against xenophobia, the writers style was so cliche and it felt forced.
September 16, 2023
Criminally, criminally underrated
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July 15, 20243.5 :)
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