Janice P

I found this a quick read and a very shallow novel. I was disappointed in the plot, character development, and the ending.

The theme of the book was loosely woven so that it seemed a bit silly to me. I really did not care what happened at the end. I did not identify or like one character, and, in fact, disliked the protagonist throughout the story.

I don't think it was the author's intent for us to not care about her characters so I consider this a major flaw. She fell down in bringing them to life.

I think it is a novel for young people and especially those interested in rock music. The author did not fully explore the wonderful music of a classical violinist which would have added tremendous class to this novel.

I truly believe she is talented but her efforts are best directed at television writing.

Kira Salak has fashioned a powerful tale. I was glued to the pages as she took me through the jungle to Papua New Guinea introducing me to customs and people I never imagined. This is a beautiful descriptive novel with exceptional characterization packed with love and adventure.
Hats off to a winner and a fine novelist!

If you enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha, this book is for you. I am not normally a reader of Asian fiction but was thoroughly enveloped by this descriptive, informative and well-written tale. One cannot help but sympathize with the protagonist as she moves through life from, a commoner to royalty, with pain and fragility and, finally, maturity.
Given the author's extensive research and knowledge of Japan, this is a fine learning novel.