'A masterful and deeply moving tale of mothers and daughters, of hidden histories and repressed memories, of loss and of love, After the Bloom is a potent reminder of the legacy of the internment and the power of reclaiming the past.' Lynne Kutsukake, author of The Translation of Love A sweeping page-turner.' Kerri Sakamoto, author of Floating City 'A compelling tale of hearts and minds caught in the tumult of history, memory and love, across generations.

'Leslie Shimotakahara's novel is a poignant exploration of mothers and daughters, secrets and lovers, and the brutal legacy of Japanese internment.' Book Riot Shimotakahara’s writing is personal and entrancing, unflinchingly shining a light on this difficult part of history.' Internment had a shattering cultural effect on Japanese Americans. ' compelling work of historical fiction that scrutinizes how the experience and conditions of 'Shimotakahara joins a rank of garlanded Canadian authors who've offered their skill and kindness to casual readers: tough stuff packaged in solid fiction that edifies as it enthrals, emotion indelible and set deep in stories we might otherwise prefer to forget.' ​National Post