Synopsis: As the Allied forces occupy Japan at the end of World War II, an intense love affair develops between Australian Allen “Spin” Bowler, an interpreter in the British army, and Momoko, a woman whose calmness and dignity veil the tiredness and defeat she has suffered. In the quiet sanctuary of Momoko’s room, Spin gradually sheds his shy bookish self and their love blossoms. However, the betrayal that follows has devastating consequences, forever changing the course of both their lives.

Review: The Lover’s Room is an engaging glimpse into post war Japan and the lives of those left to pick up the pieces, both the occupying army and the defeated civilians. While the character of Spin, irrational, jealous and not at all easy to empathise with, leaves much to be desired, Momoko, with her serenity and beauty really touches the reader. Momoko is the opposite to Spin, and the book improves once she figures more. It is the contrasting natures of these characters that really drives the book drawing close parallels to Othello – the jealousy of the central figure, of “one who had loved, not wisely, but too well”, juxtaposed with the ignorance of the heroine.  After the devastating betrayal, the novel switches to the present, showing the characters 26 years on. This jump down the time line proves to be a powerful way of illustrating just how much one hour can change a person’s life forever. The ending is perfectly fitting for the novel and generates some interesting questions that would lead to fascinating discussions in a reading group.

I would recommend this book for readers aged 16 and upwards due to the love scenes which, though not explicit, do not require much imagination! A powerful story of love found and lost, of trust and passion, secrets and jealousy.

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2007-02-19