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A review by redcabinreads
The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
4.0
“This is America, we would say to ourselves, there is no need to worry. And we would be wrong.”
Overall, this was an interesting book. The length was perfect and the subject was captivating. The story is about “picture brides” (mail order brides) immigrating to the US in the early 20th century, and covers their lives after arriving (not at all what they expected). It then follows them, years later, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when all Japanese were forced into interment camps, leaving their homes, lives, and loved processions (including the Buddha in the attic).
The voice of the story is a collective group (us, we), which takes some getting used to. But from the beginning, I loved it, and thought it read almost like poetry.
The downsides for me - I wish more detail was added about the camps and what happened after the war. I also stumbled some when names were mentioned, because I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be keeping track of certain characters or not.
Overall, a good read that I’d recommend!
(This book is my 1st book club read at my local library
Overall, this was an interesting book. The length was perfect and the subject was captivating. The story is about “picture brides” (mail order brides) immigrating to the US in the early 20th century, and covers their lives after arriving (not at all what they expected). It then follows them, years later, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when all Japanese were forced into interment camps, leaving their homes, lives, and loved processions (including the Buddha in the attic).
The voice of the story is a collective group (us, we), which takes some getting used to. But from the beginning, I loved it, and thought it read almost like poetry.
The downsides for me - I wish more detail was added about the camps and what happened after the war. I also stumbled some when names were mentioned, because I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be keeping track of certain characters or not.
Overall, a good read that I’d recommend!
(This book is my 1st book club read at my local library