The Secrets We Hide by Patricia Sands

 

My thoughts

This is a very deep and thought provoking book. A story that only Patricia Sands could write. I enjoyed it from start to finish. I cried many tears reading this one but that was to be expected. It's just so good. I loved how things wrapped up at the end too. Great ending and acknowledgements. And the Note from the Author was something you should read. 

You meet Kaito and Hana when they are children living in Japan. Their families move to Hawaii and their friendship continues. It's a very deep friendship that grows stronger over the years. They start dating in high school and eventually get married. Kaito is called to serve in Vietnam and shortly after his deployment Hana finds out she is pregnant. Their best friends are Lailani and Brett. Brett had enlisted and ended up dying while serving. Hana and Lailani were practically inseparably and Lailani kept Kaito abreast of what all Hana was going through after the birth of their daughter Kiana. 

Hana suffered from extreme mental illness. Back during this time I think it was a bit harder to find out exactly what was wrong or the best medications to take. I believe that to be true. Hana would only get worse as the years progressed and Kaito was the most patient and loving husband ever to her. Their daughter never felt the true love of her mother but she did with her dad. Kaito was so doting on her and tried with all his might to get her to understand what was going on with Hana. One day Kiana left to get married to someone that Kaito did not approve. So he lost his beautiful daughter. 

This book is one that keeps you turning the pages. It keeps you wanting to know when Kiato will give up and make a life for himself. When will he decide it's enough already and move on. That he never does. He's the single most devoted husband ever. In my opinion. He really is. He vowed to love Hana throughout her life no matter what and he did. He did a lot of meditation and learned a lot of Buddhist ways that helped him. 

I won't say that Kaito never finds love or has a life because that is just not what happens here. But in order to find out who and how you have to read this beautiful story. I've never loved a protagonist as much as I do Kaito. He's the sweetest most kind and gentle man. He deserved much happiness. 

I learned a lot about the Buddhist while reading this book also. They have the absolute best teachings I have ever read about. For religion I would have to chose Buddhism if I was going to practice anything. They teach kindness and letting go. Lots of good things instead of fear. Lots of love instead of hate. I think the Buddhist are possibly the best at teaching people how to live and love. How to learn from each other and grow. How to live in peace and forgiveness instead of greed and uncaring. 

This is a definite FIVE star book. I won't forget some of this story for a long time. 

Synopsis

The deep traditions and values of Kaito Tanaka’s Japanese heritage are severely tested when he returns home to Honolulu from duty in Vietnam to find his wife, Hana, in the grip of progressive mental health challenges.

As Hana’s condition worsens, Kaito’s life becomes absorbed in protecting and caring for her and their daughter, Kiana. Hana becomes increasingly reclusive while their daughter Kiana grows troubled and rebellious. A friend’s mysterious death followed by Kiana’s sudden disappearance cut deeply into Kaito’s soul. Meditation is Kaito’s drug of choice. Secrecy hides the truth from others but Kaito’s commitment to Hana is unwavering.

As years go by, Kaito begins to make an annual pilgrimage to a Buddhist retreat in Koyasan that renews his spirit. In the end, a serendipitous coincidence there opens the door to happiness – if he can allow himself to accept it.