All Sorrows Can Be Borne

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Inspired by true events, this novel follows Noriko Ito, a Japanese woman navigating unimaginable circumstances that lead her to give up her son to save her husband. Set against the backdrop of Hiroshima, Osaka, and the badlands of eastern Montana, the story spans from the onset of World War II to 1982. Told primarily through Noriko's voice, an aspiring actress who fails her audition for the Takarazuka Theater Academy, she takes a job as a waitress in Osaka, where she meets the enigmatic manager, Ichiro Uchida. Their love blossoms over music, and they marry. However, their dreams are shattered when Ichiro is diagnosed with tuberculosis shortly after Noriko becomes pregnant during their honeymoon. To provide a better life for their newborn son, Ichiro persuades Noriko to entrust him to his older sister and her Japanese-American husband in Montana, believing this sacrifice will aid his recovery. The consequences of this decision lead to unexpected and shocking developments that haunt Noriko for years. Eighteen years later, her son enlists in the U.S. Navy and travels to Japan, where their long-awaited reunion forces Noriko to confront the pain and suffering she has endured. With depth and tenderness, this beautifully written novel explores how families are shaped by political and economic turmoil, profound loss, and the journey toward forgiveness.