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Mother-Daughter Relationships
Song of the Pearl and Oyster is a multigenerational story that intertwines the lives of several characters from different times and backgrounds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Surprisingly, a friend from yoga class told me the story of her aunt’s birthday party. It was her 100th birthday, not her 75th, as it is in my book. When she got to the part about the aunt’s half-Japanese daughter showing up for her birthday party when her mother hadn’t seen her since she was six years old, it took my breath away. I asked her if I could write a novel about her family story, and she agreed. I loved the research from the various periods, from Japanese pearl diving to Michigan farms to New York Native American history.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Oh my, what a great question! I’d have to say vulnerability and uncovering truths. When an author draws a character at her most vulnerable, combining multiple real-life scenarios for that fictional reality, anything can result – a life lesson, a new understanding, or a perception of beauty that comes only through loss or tragedy. Sometimes, when characters are in the midst of conflict, neither they nor the reader recognize how their journey will take shape. My characters teach me as I discover what they can do; otherwise, why write? Their aha moments make for a satisfying denouement and conclusion!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Unusual mother-daughter relationships were important explorations throughout the book. I like the idea that a sense of family can grow from commonalities that don’t include the family we are born into! And music, so important in my life as a flutist, became important to Nora as an escape, her life’s work, and a means of expression when words weren’t enough.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book, The Compass Point, will be released in December. It is also historical fiction, with a male main character, a reluctant Jewish billionaire. It takes place in 1980s Eastern Europe when Russian propaganda threatened fledgling democracies. It’s filled with political intrigue and a hint of romance.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
In Fountain Valley, Nora reconnects with James from her school days. Just when she begins to see a future with James, her quirky new friends, and a career, her one-of-a-kind sable violin is stolen. When James accepts a promising job in New York, Nora struggles with the decision to follow her ambitions, or his. Recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award.
Song of the Pearl and Oyster
Song of the Pearl and Oyster is a multigenerational story that intertwines the lives of several characters from different times and backgrounds. Set in places ranging from Indianapolis to Yokohama, the book explores themes of cultural identity, family bonds, and the emotional toll of war. Through different perspectives, we follow characters like Nora, Kioshi, and Ruth as they navigate their personal histories, trauma, and love, often set against the backdrop of societal expectations and historical events like World War II.
What struck me the most about this book was its emotional intensity. Author Patty Duffy does a fantastic job of slowly unraveling each character’s motivations and past, allowing the reader to sit with them as they process pain or joy. For instance, Nora’s meeting with her estranged mother at the birthday celebration was heart-wrenching. The tension between them was palpable, and the subtle way Duffy captures Nora’s mix of longing, anger, and hope was a real highlight for me. The pearl ring that triggers memories of a forgotten connection between mother and daughter was a simple yet powerful symbol of the fragile ties that still bind them after years of separation.
The prose is rich with atmosphere and small, meaningful details that bring the settings and characters to life. I appreciated how each chapter felt like peeling back a new layer, whether it was following Kioshi’s pearl-diving adventures in Yokohama or Ruth’s college days in Michigan.
Another strength of the book is its exploration of identity and belonging. Kioshi’s journey from Japan to America, his struggles with fitting into a new country, and the challenges he faced as a Japanese immigrant during wartime were especially poignant. His relationship with Ruth added depth to the narrative as it wasn’t just about their love but also the cultural barriers they faced. I thought Duffy handled the racial and cultural tensions of that time with sensitivity, and it made me reflect on how similar struggles still resonate today.
With so many characters and timelines, I sometimes found it hard to stay invested in each of their arcs. For example, Ruth’s college years were compelling, but I wanted more development of her relationship with Kioshi before diving into the war’s impact on their lives. The fragmented nature of the storytelling left some gaps in emotional continuity, though it did mirror the fractured nature of the characters’ experiences.
Song of the Pearl and Oyster is a reflective and emotionally rich novel that delves into complex relationships and histories. It’s a great read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories about family, memory, and cultural identity.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0C74QHFBJ
LITERARY TITAN 