Dilloway (How to Be an American Housewife) creates a beautifully crafted tale of two estranged sisters learning to make peace with their relationship and their dysfunctional family. When the Rachel and Drew discover a Japanese picture book hidden in their mother's sewing room, they have no idea what they have uncovered. In its pages they learn of the real life female samurai, Tomoe Gozen, her battle exploits, her love, and the bitterness of the losses she suffers. The book resonates with the sisters and its truth rings true across the centuries and is crucial in allowing them to accept, love, and heal their broken family. The story alternates between present day California where the sisters live and flashbacks to Tomoe's feudal Japan. All three characters are narrated beautifully by different voice actors, which helps bring out their distinct and vibrant personalities. Verdict Fans of Amy Tan will eat up this novel, as will readers of historical fiction and family sagas. While it does lag in some places, it builds up to a beautiful redemption and the interlaced female samurai story is not to be missed. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN
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