Book Review: Guardians of the Latte Stones

Reviewed by Chelsey Tucker

A satisfying blend of historical and supernatural fiction in Japan during WWII

17-year-old volunteer for the Imperial Japanese army, Yoshida Takeshi is sent to Guam as part of the 38th Infantry. While en route, the group is attacked, and a neighboring ship goes down, killing hundreds of men. 

When Takeshi and the rest of the Mountain Artillery are moving inland, they are attacked again—yet another moment where admittedly Takeshi feels shame for not dying for the emperor like his fellow fallen comrades.

The island is a wonderful place of beauty until all the bombings begin to flatten the land. Takeshi is stationed at Manenggon where many atrocities are committed by the Japanese soldiers against the native Chamorro people. Even though Takeshi participates in ways to avoid punishment, he does not agree with the way violence has taken over. “The threat of a flogging always keeps you focused.” Soon, however, he realizes there are shadows amongst the trees that also disapprove of the Japanese.

Takeshi and his sister Yuki suffered the loss of their parents to tuberculosis only a year apart while the children were still school age—forced to go live with their drunken Uncle Taro and abusive Aunt Keiko. In order to bring honor to his family and ease the cruelty within the household, Takeshi made his decision to join the war effort.

“There were those who would cheat at cards or have a tendency to steal from others; some would throw their weight around in an argument or lead others into trouble and inevitable beatings, but they were warriors together, held together by their unquestioning duty to the emperor.” The horrors that Takeshi witnesses while serving the Emperor change the way he sees the world and force him to decide what kind of man he truly is.

This novel is a beautiful mix of lore in the form of the Taotaomo’na and historical record in the tactics of the Japanese military. Violence is a heavy theme throughout the novel, but the depictions are key to both the story and character development. Although the imagery can be gruesome, Aleja handles it tactfully without excess.

Some lives are full of horrific events, but Guardians of the Latte Stones reminds us that moments of relief, happiness, and love still occur. Treasuring the good while battling with the pain is necessary, especially when living through extreme instances of cruelty. 

Fans of historical fiction, especially World War Two-related, will get a lot out of this book. Guardians of the Latte Stones brings humanity and nuance to a perspective that is often blanketed with negativity and evil.

---

Thank you for reading Chelsey Tucker’s book review of Guardians of the Latte Stones by M.K. Aleja! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.