Review of The Abalone Ukulele

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

Based on your review, I've gathered that this book offers a genuine sense of adventure, skillfully interwoven with historical events. It seems to feature richly developed characters set against expansive geographical and political landscapes. Kudos to you for navigating through this challenging read and finding enjoyment in its complexity.

[Nenye Charles]

I wonder if they were successful in stealing the gold. This book is ideal for lovers of historical fiction, as it discusses adventures of people who live in Asian countries.

[Scott Moreland]

The only thing I disliked about this book was that it was truly not an easy read, so it took me a while to settle into the story. But by the middle of the story, I was sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly flipping the pages. Good review that makes me want to read the book.

[Shiru Elizabeth]

Thanks for this insightful review. It is well detailed a. Based on your review, I'd say this will be a very interesting book to read.

[Frankly ssekyanzi]

Thanks for the review, I can now imagine how interesting the book is. I'm inspired by Yi's decision making.

[Timothy Rucinski]

I'm not a big fan of novels set in Imperial Japan, so I'm not the right kind of reader for this book. However, I sampled some of the book and found the author to have an engaging style. From the review, it appears that this is a good story and I hope the author finds an appreciative readership.

[Bobbie Wolf]

I, like you, was overwhelmed by the author's complex writing style. He lost me several times with the descriptive wording he used, wording I was unfamiliar with as well as what he was describing. I was unable to read effortlessly, but this had a lot to do with my own lack of knowledge about what the author was writing. I am also not a history buff. Your review motivates me to continue reading the book, as I too was turning the pages to see what was going to happen as I read the free sample on Amazon. The story sounds interesting and promises to be a page-turner. Thank you for your review; it was very helpful.

[Runan]

The Japanese insurgents intercept Korea’s tribute to China. Yi, who handles the process, flees to save himself. He visits numerous places, like Alaska and San Francisco. Spuytens murder Ephraim. Yi needs to pay Spuytens, and he also seeks US Navy help in stealing gold ingots from imperial Japan. The author seamlessly crafts an interesting fictional plot with various cultural inferences. The author’s writing is complex, but I am glad the gradual progression of the story helped ease the complexity for you. Great review.

[Fatola Fatai]

Wow, thanks for the insightful review! Your detailed breakdown of the characters and storyline really helped me grasp the essence of the book. It seems like the book offers a rich journey through history and culture. Can't wait to dive into this adventurous tale!

[Bettny Andrade]

This is a story divided into 5 parts that narrates the journey of Skookum Yi in search of reestablishing his kingdom because the Japanese insurgents intercepted the tribute to the empress who was in his charge. A great adventure that reveals about Asian culture. Good job #BOTD

[Gayatri Tripathi]

Thank you for sharing such a detailed and insightful review of "The Abalone Ukulele." I appreciate your thorough analysis of the characters and the gradual unfolding of the storyline. It's evident that the author, R. L. Crossland, invested time and effort in researching the historical and cultural aspects, making the narrative rich and immersive.

I agree with your point about the complexity of the writing style and the inclusion of a Glossary with links. It's thoughtful of the author to provide readers with the necessary tools to navigate through unfamiliar words and cultural references seamlessly. This consideration enhances the overall reading experience and shows the author's commitment to making the story accessible.

Your honesty about the initial challenge in settling into the story but eventually being captivated by it speaks volumes about the book's depth and complexity. The unexpected end for Skookum Yi and the inclusion of Historical Notes further emphasize the historical authenticity of the narrative.

Your rating of 4 out of 4, despite the initial difficulty, highlights the creative genius behind the work. Your recommendation for historical fiction buffs and those interested in Asian adventures, with a caution about the use of profanity and sexual scenes, adds a helpful layer for potential readers to consider.

Overall, your review not only provides valuable insights for potential readers but also showcases your engagement with the intricacies of the plot and characters. Well done!

[Praganshu]

A riveting historical novel of gold, cultures, and adventure in 1913 Shanghai. The Abalone Ukulele is a masterpiece of plot, characters, and setting.

[Cristina Corui Mihailescu]

I appreciated the sample, since it has to do with a part of history I know nothing about. But the reviewer says it is a difficult read, so...not for me this time.

[Kaitlyn Canedy]

Many historical fiction novels can be hard to follow, especially if the story requires a lot of investment. The author did well to include a glossary, as well as ensuring there was some historical Japanese authenticity. Thanks for the review!

[Michael Gambo]

The book is a testament to the power of storytelling in weaving together history and human experience. Crossland's vivid prose and deft characterizations brought to life an era teetering on the brink of change, leaving me both enlightened and thoroughly entertained.