The Baseball Widow

Mehr zum Buch

When Christine, an idealistic young American teacher, marries Hideki Yamada, an aspiring Japanese high school baseball coach, she believes their love will bridge their cultural differences. However, as Hideki dedicates more time to his team, which he sees as a surrogate family, Christine grapples with the challenges of raising their multiply-disabled daughter and sensitive son. Tensions rise when their son becomes a target for bullies, prompting Christine to consider returning to the U.S. for a safer, happier life. During a visit back home, she reconnects with a dangerously attractive high school friend who, after serving in Iraq, seems to understand her struggles deeply. Meanwhile, Daisuke Uchida, a talented slugger returning from abroad, could help Hideki's team reach the prestigious Koshien tournament, a dream for Hideki and a lifeline for his players from unstable backgrounds. As Daisuke seeks Hideki's mentorship, he becomes involved with Nana, a troubled girl he wants to rescue from a precarious life. Ultimately, Hideki faces a difficult choice between his team and his family. This narrative explores themes of duty, disability, discrimination, and forgiveness through a cross-cultural lens, highlighting the characters' efforts to advocate for fairness and safety while reflecting on how their backgrounds shape their decisions.