This is more of a love story than anything else. We see a story about the type of racism that existed during that time (World War II). It is ironic that Michener tells the other side of the story, letting you know that the Japanese were also scared of losing their identity and heritage (so they acted in some racist ways). The Americans; I guess they were afraid of anybody who wasn't white. But in the end we find how tragic it can be when people are not tolerant.

When reading this book, I was surprised that most of the American characters seemed to be racist. But my mother commented that this was what the world thought of Japan after the war.
I liked how the author portrayed Major Gruver. At first, he was showed ignorance towards anything and anyone Japanese, but after he met Hana-Ogi, his views changed. And it was particularly nice that he realized that what was important in a person was what was on the inside, a dated look at history as only Michener can due.

I have just began to read Michener's novels, but have enjoyed none more than Sayonara. It varies from his typical writing style... he writes with passionate human emotion to describe racism, love, and culture. This is an amazing and important novel for Americans. Although the story line is somewhat predictable, the language is simple and graceful. It glows with insight on contrasting Japanese ideas on land, country, and marriage. I couldn't get enough of this book. It was spectacular.