Eleven-year-old Yoko and her family are stationed in North Korea during World War II while her father serves as a Japanese government official in nearby Manchuria. They reside in a bamboo grove in Nanam until Russian and Korean Communist forces invade, intensifying their conflict with Japan. Due to Yoko's father's role in safeguarding Japanese interests, the family is acutely aware of the danger they face and realizes they must escape the country urgently. So Far from the Bamboo Grove narrates their harrowing escape. One night, Yoko, her mother, and her sister Ko are alerted to the immediate need to flee when Corporal Matsumura visits their home and urges them to leave at once.

Terrified and heartbroken to leave Yoko's father in Manchuria and her brother Hideyo working in an ammunition factory, the three women set off on their journey alone. They travel by train and on foot, hiding during the day and walking at night. They endure gunfire, illness, poverty, and near starvation. Ultimately, they reach Seoul, take a train to Pusan, and board a ship bound for Japan. Upon arriving in Japan, Yoko's mother succumbs to exhaustion and defeat, leaving Yoko and her sister Ko to fend for themselves. Their resilience and determination lead them to success. Although Japan loses the war, Yoko triumphs personally. Watkins's compelling narrative of bravery and resilience highlights the struggles of refugees through the experiences of Yoko, Ko, and Hideyo, who, like many others, faced similar daunting challenges and fought to survive during times of political turmoil.