Michael G. Malaghan
Special to The Hawai‘i Herald
Editor’s note: We continue Michael G. Malaghan’s serialized historical novel, “Picture Bride — A Family Saga,” based on the Japanese immigrant experience. Malaghan’s trilogy takes readers from turn-of-the-20th-century-Japan to Hawai‘i in the picture bride era; the Islands during World War II, highlighted by the exploits of the Nisei soldiers; and beyond.
The novel begins with 12-year-old Haru-chan, fleeing her home in Amakusa, Kyüshü, for Hiroshima, where she becomes the picture bride of a Buddhist priest in Hawai‘i.
Author Michael Malaghan is a retired businessman who divides his time between Hawai‘i, Florida and Japan.
66.
Haru mustered her biggest smile and waved back to Kenji, standing next to Irie, who looked apathetic — a mere shadow of the vibrant man she had known for years. Moments later, Kenji bounded on-deck with his arms outstretched. Haru handed Kenta to him.
“Truly, the Buddha has great plans for Kenta,” he said. Cradling the baby, he added with pride singing in his voice, “This is the boy who carries my name.” Looking deep into Haru’s eyes, he added softly, “I was so worried about you. I heard the crossing was rough.”
“You were right; I was stubborn,” Haru replied. “The trip was more dangerous than I ever expected.”
“The important thing is you and the baby are safe,” said Kenji, giving Kenta back to Haru. He picked up her wicker basket and headed toward the gangplank.
At the bottom, Irie placed a lei around Haru’s neck.
To read the rest of this article, please subscribe to The Herald!
