Book Review: Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

 

**Disclaimer: I received a free electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Genre:  YA, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Asian Literature
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Description:

"Crazy Rich Asians meets The Princess Diaries in this irresistible story about Izumi, a Japanese-American girl who discovers her senior year of high school that she’s really a princess of Japan.

Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in—it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi—or Izzy, because “It’s easier this way”—and her mom against the world. But then Izzy discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity…and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent Izzy is literally a princess.

In a whirlwind, Izzy travels to Japan to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she always dreamed of. But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight.

Izzy soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself—back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairytale, happily ever after?"

As promised in the synopsis, it definitely plays well with The Princess Diaries inspiration. It's an easy read that manages to capture a predictable, yet comfortable romance while introducing not only Izumi but to us, the readers, to the Japanese culture.

First off, I would like to mention that Izumi is a great character. I'm not Japanese, but I am an Asian American, so her reaction to the culture shock is relatable. All of her confusions, embarrassments, and mistakes, make sense. Perfection isn't expected, especially since Izumi's newfound royalty appeared rather abruptly, so all the hijinks were not surprising. It was amusing to witness Izumi stumbling around her new life. She's no perfect character, but she has a good head on her shoulders.

Secondly, despite how entertaining the princess life is, I found the pacing of how fast she was able to adjust to everything in such a short time a bit off. Also, the character development of the supporting characters was a bit weak. I wish we knew more about Yoshi, Mariko, Reina, the twins, and even Izumi's best friends. Then again, the story's main focus is on Izumi's family and romance, so this might not bother most people. 

Overall, was the premise of the story original? Not at all, but that was to be expected from the beginning. Besides that, along with the predictable romance, this story may not seem all that special, but it's the clever way of incorporating the importance of family and culture. Despite the flaws that this book carries, it didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying it. 

Overall rating: 3.75/5