Review of The Abalone Ukulele

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis
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Re: Review of The Abalone Ukulele

Post by Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis »

Great review. You were not afraid to state what you did not like about the book. Unfortunately, I usually do not read historical fiction, so I will pass on this one. I am glad that you enjoyed the book even though the first half was confusing.
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Post by Rodel Barnachea »

I am fascinated by Skookum Yi's work as a courier man who handles Korea's tribute to China. I am interested in learning why the Spuytens murdered Ephraim, a person whom Yi regards affectionately.
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Post by Kajori Sheryl Paul »

Yi's quest to regain his honor is both honorable and adventurous.

Thank you for the great review.
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Post by tarafarah7 »

Well-written and researched, today's BOTD is a historical fiction novel told in five parts that readers of the genre will thoroughly enjoy. In addition, those interested in Asian culture and history, as well as adventure, are in for a treat with this one. Thank you for the amazing review. Bravo! :-)
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Post by azza lia »

From your review this book promises to be a page turner. though it is not an easy read, the gradual progression of the story helped ease the complexity for you. I'm not a history buff. guess I won't be able to find enjoyment in its complexity. Your detailed and insightful review is very helpful for potential readers to consider. Well done.
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Post by Olaseni ademide »

The Abalone Ukulele" by R. L. Crossland is an action-adventure novel that tells the story of Skookum Yi, how he was disgraced, and how he must regain his honor. It is an interesting historical fiction book. Congratulations on BOTD.
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Post by Sara Rispo »

It seems like an intricate story with a captivating plot. It also seems to show places one can only dream of. Congrats on BOTD!
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Post by beccakaave »

This book is a fuse of historical adventure and fiction, where three different cultures unify and complot. At the beginning the story portrays Yi as the main character giving an insight on his background and journey towards reclamation and quest for revenge on the Japans by stealing their gold ingots with the help of Hobson and Draper.
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Post by todwyer01 »

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting historical fiction following Yi, a Korean warrior, who must deliver Korea's tribute to China. The issue arises when Japanese insurgents intercept the tribute and Yi must flee to America in disgrace. Will he make a new life for himself in the new world? It might be worth a second look. Well done.
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Post by Jennifer Coxon »

Korean, Chinese and Japanese history in the early 20th Century is not one I'm familiar with. However, the author starts to paint a picture of the cultural differences and animosities between these and others. An interesting read.
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Post by Orji cyril Kaluokoro »

The Abalone Ukulele is a novel by R. L. Crossland, set in Korea during the Mugwa era. The protagonist, Skookum Yi, is a courier man who handles Korea's tribute to China and ensures it reaches the Empress of China. When Japanese insurgents intercept the tribute, Yi becomes a disgrace and is forced to flee Korea. He travels to various locations, including Alaska, Canada, and San Francisco, where he meets Ephraim, whom he affectionately regards. However, the Spuytens murder Ephraim, and Yi must regain his honor and pay the Spuytens back in their coin. To do so, Yi enlists the help of the US Navy, particularly officers Hobson and Draper, to steal gold ingots from Imperial Japan.

The story is divided into five parts, with the first part detailing Yi's story, setting the tone for later parts. The author fleshes out Hobson's character, explaining why he is emotionally tied to Korea and why Yi holds him in high regard. By the time we meet Draper, the final instrumental character in the theft of the gold ingots, there is no room for confusion, and the story progresses smoothly.

The author's complex writing style helps reduce confusion due to the complex world he created. The book is not science fiction, but it is a work of creative genius, with many new words and cultural introductions. The author included a Glossary with links to several words in the story, which helped readers understand the meaning of new words without interruption.

Despite the challenges, the book is a work of creative genius, rating it 4 out of 4. It is suitable for historical fiction buffs and those who enjoy reading about Asian adventures. The book contains profanity and some sexual scenes.
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Post by mrlefty0706 »

“The Abalone Ukulele” by R. L. Crossland is a story about a warrior named Skookum Yi a member of the Mugwa in Korea. Yi was a currier that was responsible for a tribute to China sent from Korea to the Empress of China. The tribute was intercepted and Yi became an outcast and disgrace in Japan and he was forced to flee to Korea. He then traveled to Alaska, Canada and San Francisco. Yi must recover his reputation so he asks the U.S. Navy for help so he can pay his debt in gold. He asks two U.S. Navy officers to help him steal gold ingots from Imperial Japan. The book has 5 parts and per the official review it was not an easy read but still worth 4 out of 4 stars as a fictional story. One needs to read the book to learn the outcome.
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Post by Surabhi Rani »

'Official Review: The Abalone Ukulele' by R.L. Crossland presents a systematic framework of the reading content for readers. It provides the readers with the clarity of the intricate plot of the historical fiction story. The point that this is a story about love and lust involved in international matters is worth mentioning in the review. Readers get to feel the protagonist's humility, suffering, and foresight. Also, as mentioned in the review, the author drew inspiration from actual historical events and people. Learning that the book is a work of creative genius was great!
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Post by Dalia Chf »

I read this book and it's the perfect blend and collision of all the cultures of the Asian side of the world. You will never be bored while reading this historical fiction! I agree with you, it was not an easy read, but it's so worth it! Great review!
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Post by ken4512 »

Thank you for your great review of The Abalone Ukulele by R. L. Crossland.
I plan to read this historical fiction for its fascinating and gripping storyline, exceptional character development, intriguing mystery, and well-crafted story stretching across different places, including Alaska, Canada, and San Francisco.
Congrats to RL Crossland for BOTD!
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