Situated on a South Pacific Island during the latter days of W.W.II, this is an important story of two men's (Nakamura and Kon) observation from 'the other side.' Dripping with the subtleties of the scores of wasted lives, the inanity and insanity of war as a means of ceasing the problems that 'men' create, it is to a large extent a book for the chapter of history we live with now."What sustained them now was probably the anger and hatred they directed at the 'brutes' of American soldiers."I believe this quote sums up Oda's anti-war sentiments. Though I should make it plain that it is in his story-telling and subtle and delicate approach that he reaches his audiece without once provoking feelings of extreme dislke but rather respect for both side -- completing a mission which, Oda makes apparent resulted in the loss of many lives and the lives of countless treasured friends and family.The Breaking Jewel is heart-rendering and tactfully moving.