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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
Oddly written, but I still wanted to hear how it ended. This novel loosely tells us what happened to Japanese women who came to America to be brides. We don't get to know any of the characters personally--rather their story is told in 3rd person. For example, "One is married to a short man who farms. One is married to a thin man who works in a laundry." Those aren't the exact words she used, but the entire book is written in that format. Of course, the women are told their lives in America will be dreamy, but most of them end up working in the fields of California and married to old men who look nothing like their picture. Eventually the stories focus on their children who are trying to improve their lifestyles, but the tale ends with the Japanese being taken to camps. We never hear what life was like in the camp--just what the locals remember of when the Japanese Americans disappeared. Interesting way to tell a story, but I would have preferred following the lives of a few women.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
challenging
dark
informative
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Julie Otsuka has a particular style, which I really enjoy, but does get somewhat repetitive (I’ve read three of her books this summer). Overall I’d recommend this.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This was very interesting read and also a quick one at that. I could read the whole thing in a day plus many things googled and researched in the process. It shone more light onto a part of history I don't know much about and also lead to interesting conversations with some people around me.
The writing style in the beginning really sucked me in and it reminds me of writers such as Mitch Albom. It's a very simple style and therefore very accessible.
The writing style in the beginning really sucked me in and it reminds me of writers such as Mitch Albom. It's a very simple style and therefore very accessible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry
((via audiobook))
this book is a classic for a reason. a perfectly lyrical/poetic look at the japanese life coming to america during a time period of uncertainty and subsequent hostility. some people dislike the writing of this book due to it's use of odd narration and implicit characters. i think these actually add to the story-telling and are used very well.
unfortunately, i think this also led to my only issue with the story ass it progresses. in the beginning, the collective subject is well-defined yet intricate and open. as the book progresses, the story becomes de-centralized around these women an more diffuse. i am sure this is on purpose, but at times detracted from the very strong opening.
a short read so defo recommend!!
this book is a classic for a reason. a perfectly lyrical/poetic look at the japanese life coming to america during a time period of uncertainty and subsequent hostility. some people dislike the writing of this book due to it's use of odd narration and implicit characters. i think these actually add to the story-telling and are used very well.
unfortunately, i think this also led to my only issue with the story ass it progresses. in the beginning, the collective subject is well-defined yet intricate and open. as the book progresses, the story becomes de-centralized around these women an more diffuse. i am sure this is on purpose, but at times detracted from the very strong opening.
a short read so defo recommend!!