Sophie and the Rising Sun
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REVIEW BY AMBER STEPHENS
The severe storm of World War II is fast approaching when Cleveland Oto finds himself in the traditionally Southern town of Salty Creek, Georgia. Lifted bruised and hungry from a bus bound for Florida, Mr. Oto, the "Chinaman," is both befriended and mended by the town's women. But only Sophie can truly engage the gentle spirit with a tender heart. Like the middle-aged local spinster who has suffered from suffocating small-town gossip, Oto too becomes the target of misguided mass anxiety following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Trobaugh, the author of Resting in the Bosom of the Lamb and Praise Jerusalem!, beautifully juxtaposes a quiet love story against the angry mob confusion brought on by the war. Although written before the terrorists attacks of September 11, this book is particularly poignant at a time when America searches to find the unknown enemies among us. As Mr. Oto mends, he is released to the home of Miss Anne where he works as her gardener and home caretaker. Each day Mr. Oto secretly watches as Sophie passes by on her way about town until he finally meets her at the hardware store. As the two eventually come to spend Sunday mornings painting by the beach, they discover a love stronger than life's obstacles. While the story is beautiful in its power to give love sovereignty over spite, its subtlety is the most touching flourish. This is not a novel about secret lovers frolicking in the shadows, instead it's the vibrant tale of love blossoming with the touch of the hand or a glance of the eye. As an added insight into the community's thoughts, Miss Anne gives the story first-person narrative. In the end, Sophie and Mr. Oto must decide whether to tackle the world together or set off alone. Trobaugh's intentionally vague ending allows readers to imagine the outcome that's most befitting. But given the lovers' ability to overcome, it's easy to hope for the best, even during war. Amber Stephens is a freelance writer in Columbus, Ohio.
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