This lady's life story has helped me understand both the Japanese people and how God's grace extends itself in the context of the culture of those receiving it. It would be fascinating simply as a biography of triumph in the face of life. It is made much more so as a spiritual journey's unwinding. Miura (I believe her married name is Hotta ?) also has a most gentle way of bringing other people's life intersections with hers into a focus I have rarely read in an author....One feels one is there in the room with the people she meets. Honesty to a fault was a breath of fresh air. She does not attempt to spline the curve of her actions and thoughts closer to some more genteel model. Reading this one is privileged to meet Ayako Miura and the Answer she discovers to the meaning of life in bold relief.

The story is set in Japan. It's a very powerful and gripping book about a young woman's journey during the years following Japan's surrender.

The book is part one of three from Miyura Ayako's autobiography. The other two parts are not available in English to my knowledge. I really recommend this book for anyone who wants an interesting perspective on Japanese culture. Of course, it's set about 50 years ago, though... but still very interesting and as I said, powerful.

I found this book in a tiny drugstore in Idaho. So, keep your eyes peeled and you might find it yourself somewhere.

One of the most memorable books I've read. Very Surprised to here it's out of print.

This story touched my heart. It pretty much said what most people are unwilling to reveal. All parts of the human emotions are revealed showing the deepest passions, the painful hate, guilt and yet love. It shows how one tries to control ones passion in the worst circumstance. And we all know that emotions are not for us to control. The result of trying to control these emotions leads to the possible death of an innocent soul. A very touching story indeed!

THE CRIMINAL KILLED THE DAUGHTER OF NAZYE, AND NAZYE DECIDED TO ADOPT THE DAUGHTER OF THE PERSON WHO KILLED HER DAUGHTER. UNFORTUNATELY, THE CHILD WAS NOT THE DAUGHTER OF THE CRIMINAL. SHE WAS ACTUALLY THE DAUGHTER OF HER BEST FRIEND.

This book is excellent! It shows real understanding of a young girl growing up in Japan--though her case is special because of her mother's shameful lifestyle. She endures the taunts and criticisms of her peers, the abuse of an older man, and the agonies of hatred, jealousy, and desire for revenge in her own heart. She finds the answer to her suffering in Jesus Christ. The book, largely autobiographical, I believe, does not give pat answers to difficult questions. I found this book very powerful not only in my own life but also as a junior high school teacher.

Very dramatic story of a man, who became Christian when Christianity was not so acceptable in Japan, and people around him. First part of the story is little slow that I had to be patient to continue reading. But as the story goes you feel the strugle of the man questioning about meaning of life, love, and how he began to see these things through his friend and his beautiful sister. At the end of the story, a man became an idividual who would give up his life for other people. I could not stop my tears falling on my cheeks.