Hana dreams that she is back in her island home of Jeju surrounded by her small community as well as family, and that on that particular day, she becomes a haenyeo, a deep diver. However, upon waking up and hearing her younger sister's voice in her head, Hana's dreams shatter into countless pieces as reality forces her to remember that she is a comfort woman during World War II, tucked away far from her friends and family.

Moving back and forth between 1943 and 2011, steeped in amazing period details, the reader begins to learn of a little well-known dark secret that Japan desires to hide: that of the existence of comfort women. These are women who were kidnapped or coerced into literally becoming sex slaves for the Japanese imperial forces from China, Korea, Philippines, etc. In addition to learning about comfort women, the reader learns as well the numerous events that occurred on Jeju island since the end of WWII through the younger sister's eyes.

I found the story to be addictive, and once I got started it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, to put down the story and to attend to other tasks. I also loved the symbolism in terms of Hana's name and of her life tied to flowers. Emi's story sections are also well written and just as addictive because the reader sees the post World War II South Korea through her eyes and the reader also sees the many years of guilt she carries in her heart and of her how life turned out to be.

WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUM by Mary Lynn Bracht is a perfect fit For a historical fiction lover that is seeking a read off the beaten path. You will learn something new and unique about World War II in Asia, as well as what happened in Jeju after WWII.