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The Picture Bride

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The Picture Bride

By: Lee Geum-yi, An Seonjae - translator
Narrated by: Joy Osmanski
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About this listen

'Your husband is a landowner,' they told her.

'Food and clothing is so plentiful, it grows on trees.'

'You will be able to go to school.'

Of the three lies the matchmaker told Willow before she left home as a picture bride in 1918, the third hurt the most. Never one to be deterred, Willow does all that she can to make the best of her unexpected circumstance. But it isn't long before her dreams for this new life are shattered – first by a husband who never wanted to marry her in the first place, and then by the escalation of the Korean independence movements. These movements are unified in goal, but divergent in action, and this threatens to split the Hawaiian Korean community and divide Willow's family and friends.

Braving the rough waters of these tumultuous years, Willow forges ahead, creating new dreams through her own blood, sweat, and tears; working tirelessly toward a better life for her family and loved ones.

©2022 Lee Geum-Yi Translation An Seon Jae First published in Korea by Changbi Publishers, Inc. Published by Scribe (P)2022 Macmillan Audio Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance Marriage

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Critic reviews

"Lee Geum-yi has a gift for taking little-known embers of history and transforming them into moving, compelling, and uplifting stories. I loved Willow from the first page to the last. Loved her courage, and her tenacious, yet caring, beautiful soul. The Picture Bride is the ultimate story of the power of friendship – a must read!' (Heather Morris, bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz)

"A transporting and immersive story that will enthrall historical fiction readers. Poignant and moving, its unforgettable characters will stay with you long after you've finished reading." (Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba)

"Historical fiction buffs and readers interested in little-known history will enjoy." (Library Journal)
All stars
Most relevant
Loved Pearl’s attitude towards the end and Willow’s a very strong woman. Enjoyed her journey through life….

Picture Bride or Willow’s story

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