Book Review ~ "How Much Do You Love Me?" by Paul Mark Tag

How Much Do You Love Me? by Paul Mark Tag
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Book Description:  Lovers James and Keiko marry quickly before James goes to World War II and Keiko to an internment camp. Sixty years later their daughter Kazuko, born in the camps, uncovers a secret that could overwhelm the family. Discover the very definition of human love and self-sacrifice in this saga of war, mystery, and romance.

My thoughts: Keiko and James were in love. They didn't realize how hard it would be for a Caucasian man and a Japanese Woman to marry and live together during WWII. James would leave to serve his country and Keiko would leave to an internment camp.

The overall feeling of the book for me was sadness. It wasn't overwhelming, it was present throughout the book. As the book begins, it is the year 2000. Keiko has suffered a stroke and is in a coma. James has Alzheimers and is in a care center.

As Keiko lies in her hospital bed, she listens to her son, daughter, and sister talk. She is able to reminisce about her secret courtship with James and her life in the camp. The thoughts take new turns as an old friend from the camp comes to visit her. He was the fiancee of her twin sister who passed away at the camp. His visit brings questions of Keiko's life and family secrets.

I was unaware that during the time period that marriage between a white/asian couple was only legal in a few states. I was saddened by the sub-standard conditions that people of Japanese descent were forced to live in. It is unthinkable that a race of people would be forced to leave their homes, livelihood, family, and friends because of fear. I have read a few books about the Japanese internment camps and I remain unimpressed/disgusted with the US government for lack of understanding and letting fear rule policy.

This book was very interesting. It shows the love that people can have for one another. It shows eventual acceptance of the unusual from family. The major point of the story is sacrifice.

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