Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I read the novel based on a short mention in the NY TIMES BOOK REVIEW podcast. I had no background or information about the author. The novel started well but by the end I was glad to have it done. It didn't click for me and when I thought that I understood her central thesis, I felt it could have been more powerfully stated. So I gave it a generous 3-star rating. THEN I read Motoko Rich's review in the NY TIMES, and things suddenly fell into place. Knowing a bit about the huge influence Anne Frank had on Ogawa, about revisionist Japanese history and the problems often faced by those who contradict the official version, and other key insights provided by Rich made everything make sense. Then it became a 5-star book. So I really encourage potential buyers to look up Rich's review. Armed with a bit of background, I think you will like the book so much more.