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A review by thenovelmaura
We Are Not Free by Traci Chee
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I absolutely loved this powerful YA historical fiction read and I hope you'll consider adding it to your TBR. I want to start my review by saying that the word "internment" is a euphemism for the mass incarceration of these American citizens during World War II. It is more accurate to describe the places where Japanese Americans were held as either prison or concentration camps, and I will be using the language of incarceration here.
Honestly, I when I saw that there were 14 main characters in this book, I was a bit wary! I thought it would be hard to keep track of everyone, and I did use guide at the front of the book many times! However, Chee's characters were so distinct and vibrant that I only needed a brief reminder before I placed them within the group. Through these teens, Chee is able to explore a multitude of reactions to the injustice of their incarcerations; Frankie and Aiko's anger, Bette and Stan's optimism, Mas and Yum-Yum's sense of duty.
I deeply appreciated the range of this book, from the initial evacuation, to the relocation to Tule Lake, to the deployment of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and everything in between. I don't often cry while reading, but I teared up at both the beginning and the end of this one. Despite the heavy subject, there were also many moments of levity, humor, and hope. This topic likely hits close to home if you are related to a formerly-incarcerated Japanese person, so I understand if it's not one you feel comfortable picking up. But for everyone else, this is a must-read.
Honestly, I when I saw that there were 14 main characters in this book, I was a bit wary! I thought it would be hard to keep track of everyone, and I did use guide at the front of the book many times! However, Chee's characters were so distinct and vibrant that I only needed a brief reminder before I placed them within the group. Through these teens, Chee is able to explore a multitude of reactions to the injustice of their incarcerations; Frankie and Aiko's anger, Bette and Stan's optimism, Mas and Yum-Yum's sense of duty.
I deeply appreciated the range of this book, from the initial evacuation, to the relocation to Tule Lake, to the deployment of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and everything in between. I don't often cry while reading, but I teared up at both the beginning and the end of this one. Despite the heavy subject, there were also many moments of levity, humor, and hope. This topic likely hits close to home if you are related to a formerly-incarcerated Japanese person, so I understand if it's not one you feel comfortable picking up. But for everyone else, this is a must-read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, and Racism