Author, Artist, Educator, Architect

Suzanne Stewart

UNDER THE MOON

Hawaii Immigration History

It is 1899 in the Meiji era, a time of great social and economic changes in Japan. Ueme, the daughter of a prominent Japanese family, longs for childhood days when months were counted in hours and the ends were unseen. Now monumental change awaits her—change she never asked for or wanted.

REVIEWS

  • “Having lived in Hawaii and becoming friends with many Japanese residents, learning about their ways and culture, Under the Moon was a must-read for me. The author beautifully and thoughtfully tells the story of Ueme, the daughter of a silk merchant, who faces the constraints of her culture and times. When Ueme’s arranged marriage fails due to family dishonor, her family sends her 4000 miles away to a strange land to work on a sugarcane plantation. The story is of hardship, longing, remembrance, and love. The author captures the emotions masterfully as you follow Ueme’s journey from a naïve girl to a strong and independent woman. I highly recommend this  beautifully written story.”

    -T.V.H.

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About the Author

Suzanne Stewart is a retired architect, artist, educator, and mother of two daughters of Asian American descent. Under the Moon is her debut novel. The story is inspired by stories of Japanese immigrants that she heard when she lived in Hawaii. Today, Suzanne resides in Pennsylvania.