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Patricia Sands, the author of “The Secrets We Hide” has beautifully written a poignant, memorable and thought-provoking novel. The author has vividly captured the spirit and soul of the characters, and has described the gorgeous aesthetics that make up the landscape and scenery for the story. The genres for this novel are Women’s Psychological Fiction, Family Life Fiction, and Women’s Domestic Life Fiction. The timeline for this story is written in the author’s present and goes back when it pertains to the characters or events. The author depicts her colorful and dramatic characters as complex and complicated.
I appreciate that Patricia Sands describes the importance of family, friendship, tradition, love and hope. The author also discusses significant topics such as mental health, second chances, forgiveness, and the traumas of war and the effects on the people that are touched by the tragedy. Are secrets sometimes necessary?
The protagonist of the story, Kaito Tanaka, is of Japanese heritage, but has been in Honolulu. Kaito marries his high school sweetheart Hana. After Kaito goes to fight in the Vietnam war, he is called home, when his wife Hana has difficulty coping with the birth of their daughter. Hana has major psychological problems, and has been treated as best as known by doctors. To keep balanced, Kaito practices Aikido, and starts to meditate. Kaito also embraces the Buddha philosophy. Most of all, Kaito tries his best to take care of his daughter. Kaito endures heartache and tragedy. He goes on a yearly visit to a Buddhist retreat.
Through his coping strategies, Kaito is searching for peace and happiness. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking story.
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