Do you see parallels between the stories of Tomoe, and Rachel and Drew

Tomoe's story alternates with that of Rachel and Drew. Do you see parallels between the two?

I know that Rachel and Drew found parallels and significance in Tomoe's story, but I didn't really see it, other than that their mother wanted them to get and stick together as Tomoe and [forgot her name] did. In the end, all three women had to compromise, so perhaps that's a parallel.

I saw many ways their lives were parallel. Tomoe and Kamabuki were raised very differently as were Rachel and Drew though the later two had the same parents. In both cases there was a difference in ages and certainly in the Japanese two there was a difference in attitude (warrior versus little wife and mother) somewhat like Rachel as wife and super mom versus Drew's single and rather unconventional life. The other parallel is that as their story moves on in both cases the two begin to be very fond of each other and begin to rely on each other for support.

I agree with JoyceS, but would add that all the women showed hidden strength at times, but also demonstrated that it was OK to be NOT strong sometimes.

Yes all three women demonstrated the difficulties encountered in communicating and living with other women regardless of time period

The book demonstrates that communication is the key ingredient of good relationships no matter what century it is.

The stories showed the strengths and weaknesses of the female characters.

I think the main parallel of the stories is to show the strength of women when they are working together whether they are blood sisters or sisters of the heart.

Absolutely. All of the women were very strong and created their own survival despite the men in their lives. The male characters (past and present) were not as fully developed as the female characters. They were strong and domineering, which wasn't particularly helpful to anyone.

Tomoe and Kamabuki were a team. Kamabuki worked from home and did the feminine side of things that needed doing and was the close friend and "sister of heart" for Tomoe. Rachel and Drew needed to get close just like Tomoe and Kamabuki originally did. Then the closeness came and a spirit of cooperation with the goal of helping their mother.