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At the Foot of the Cherry Tree

By: Alli Parker
Narrated by: Takaya Honda, Kaori Maeda-Judge
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Publisher's Summary

A stirring story of love and hope, based on the incredible true story of Australia's first Japanese war bride and a love that changed a nation forever.

SHORTLISTED FOR 2023 DYMOCKS BOOK OF THE YEAR AND THE 2024 ABIA MATT RICHELL AWARD FOR NEW WRITERS

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2024 INDIE BOOK AWARDS

Gordon Parker is an eager eighteen-year-old Australian boy desperate to fight for his country, and Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto is a sixteen-year-old girl struggling to survive in Japan in the aftermath of World War II. But when they fall in love, they change the course of history.

When Gordon arrives in Japan, he expects ruthless samurai, angry Japanese men ready to kill Australians at every corner. Instead, he finds Cherry, terrified of ex-enemy soldiers, a survivor of the atomic bomb. Against all the rules and all the odds, they fall in love. But when Gordon discovers the White Australia Policy prevents Cherry coming home with him as his war bride, he does what any 20-year-old soldier would do. He vows to fight. Leaving Cherry alone and pregnant in post-war Japan, Gordon has to convince his family to accept his marriage and wage a desperate campaign against a xenophobic and war-scarred government to allow his wife and children to come home.

A sweeping story spanning seven years and two countries reeling from the aftermath of war, At the Foot of the Cherry Tree is a powerfully moving novel about faith, trust, and the power of a love that alters history—written by Gordon and Cherry's granddaughter, accomplished scriptwriter, Alli Parker.

'A stunning story of faith, hope and love ... Parker's debut into historical fiction is beautiful in every sense.' The Australian

'An impressive debut novel ... a standout ... beautifully done. At the Foot of the Cherry Tree delivers both educational value and emotional impact. The connection to real-life individuals adds a wonderful dimension to the novel, reminding readers of the genuine struggles faced by these brave and resilient Australians.' Books+Publishing

'Based on a true story. Screenwriter [Alli] Parker, granddaughter of Australia's first Japanese war bride, has the family resilience and a sweeping writing style to take on one of the most devastating wartime atrocities in history ... A gentle love story expands into an epic novelisation.' Australian Women's Weekly

©2023 Alli Parker (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about At the Foot of the Cherry Tree

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Great story and well produced

Loved the story. Sound quality was excellent as were the narrators. Would love to see this book as a movie or TV series. Certainly highlighted the plight of would be immigrants during the White Australia policy.

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These characters will stay with me a long time

This is an exquisite and deeply moving story, beautifully told. The central characters are decent, noble people who fell in love in the most trying of circumstances. It’s even more special having been written by their granddaughter. A treasure. Narration is pitch perfect too.

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A deeply moving account

Well written and well narrated. Really touched my heart and I found I was often angry at the past, the prejudices and treatment of people. Sadly as humans we still hold these traits. I applaud the bravery, perseverance and courage of Cherry and Donsun who had to battle all this. Thank you for sharing this amazing story!

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Wow, what a book.

Wow, what a book. I don't usually give 5 stars but this book was amazing. A little slow to start but very well written and worth the read.

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educational and inspirational

Absolutely loved every minute of this book. A beautiful story of love and devotion coupled with the heartache and devastation of war

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A must! Alli parker writes so beautifully

Thank you Alli Parker for giving us a chance to learn about your grandparents true love story. It is so exceptional and evaluated by having two Japanese-Australian narrators who brilliantly captivated the characters personalities with easy tone, pace, pronunciation to develop the listeners visual connection. I was so inspired by the cultural and historical references to learn more about Australian history and stories.
Well done!

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Pure brilliance

Having lived in Hiroshima for 5 years , I read the article in the Heraldsun with curiosity .
Very quickly discovered “ At the foot of the cherry tree “ on audible . Thankyou Alli Parker .
I wept and rejoiced ……. Incredible story and Thankyou .

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a story that needed telling

As the sister in law of a Japanese war bride this informed me so much about the problems my brother must have had bringing dear Mikie home. I was just a child so only knew the love she gave us and her consideration of my mother and father. Thank you Alli xx

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At The Foot Of The Cherry Tree

Such a heartfelt tribute to the determination of how much love, tenacity, family support and outcome that confirms we all belong in this world.

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Very moving wonderful book

One of the most moving and inspirational books I have listened to in a long time. Can’t fault anything!!

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