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, which is now available as a printed softcover book, opens 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.
75.
Cool midnight breezes swept through half-open louvers, bouncing curtains throughout the tranquil Takayama household. Baby Kenta slept peacefully in the bassinet next to Haru’s and Kenji’s bed. The family was at peace. A golden time. The language school quarrel that had triggered Haru’s night flight to Ume’s home, the miscarriage prompting the baby switch, and Kenji’s unacknowledged fall from grace with Ko had all mysteriously fostered a more caring or, perhaps, some would say, a more careful relationship. Something precious almost lost is guarded even more securely going forward. Haru had convinced herself that her secret made her a better wife and mother since she worked harder to compensate for the deceit, even though she often reminded herself that everyone benefited from Ume’s ploy.
To read the rest of this article, please subscribe to The Herald!
