The Buddha in the Attic is the collective story of Japanese “mail-order” brides who came to the United States before World War II. They arrived to husbands they didn’t know, lives they didn’t expect, and a country that refused to accept them. And just when the Japanese finally began to grow a toehold in the community, the accusation and racism that defined World War II took effect and eradicated them from a visible role in the country for years.
When I saw that this was a finalist for the 2011 National Book Award, I immediately knew I had to read it. I’ve been longing to read Otsuka’s first book, When the Emperor was Divine, for a long time now, but since this was short and available on Netgalley, I seized the opportunity to finally experience this wonderful author for myself. I’m very pleased with the choice I made because this was an excellent book and I enjoyed each and every heartbreaking moment.
Because this is a collective story, it isn’t presented the way you would expect. There are no individual characters. There are Japanese brides, seasick on a boat, leaving behind a multitude of struggles, hardships, and even a scandal or two. There are men awaiting those brides, who may or may not live up to the photos and descriptions they sent across, who may exceed their wives’ expectations or who may disappoint them immeasurably. In less than 200 pages, we’re treated to an extensive range of what may have happened to these Japanese women; even though their experiences can be very different, they start out at the same point and unfortunately all of their stories in this volume end at the same point, with sorrow, heartbreak, and detention camps.
I loved this approach because even though it clearly depicts the difference between individuals, it also highlights the absolute universality of their experiences. It didn’t matter if the women were married to farmers or businessmen or shop owners. The end point for all of them was the same, a camp. And while many women got out of the camps eventually, the experience and suffering was universal. And because they are marked out as individuals in the middle – not by name, but by experience – it’s easy to sympathize with the women and feel that they are human beings, not the “Other” that allowed their fellow human beings to sweep them from their lives and shove them all in one place as “dangers.”
In short, The Buddha in the Attic is an incredibly powerful book, and one that in my opinion is certainly award-worthy. The description on the publishers’ website states that it is a book about the American Dream, and I think that is a particularly apt description – but it’s more about the elusiveness of that dream, and how easily it can be taken away, than anything else. Highly, highly recommended.
Wow this indeed sounds powerful. I had no real desire to read this until I read your review.
Beth F´s last post …Wordless Wednesday 156
I just finished this one over the weekend and wrote my review yesterday. I really loved this book, and thought that the author did an amazing job of scene setting and making the story seem intimate with so many narrators. I am glad that you loved this one and that it was such a great read for you. Terrific review today!
zibilee´s last post …Chosen by Chandra Hoffman — 320 pgs
I had seen this one here and there but I didn’t have any interest in reading it until it was nominated. I have it on my kindle so hopefully I get to it soon!
This sounds amazing. It’s definitely going on my wishlist.
Andi´s last post …Post-Birthday Wrap-Up and Bookish Miscellany
I loved this one too! I read it before the National Book Award finalists were announced, but I’m rooting for it to win. I’m eager to read her first book now too.
nomadreader´s last post …book review: Binocular Vision: New and Selected Stories by Edith Pearlman
This sounds great Meghan! I’m really interested in stories about the Japanese experience during World War II so hopefully I’ll get a chance to read this one.
Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last post …Interview with Claudia Gray, Author of Fateful
I’ve been curious about this book and you’ve made me add it to my wish list. This sounds like a book I’d love.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last post …Wondrous Words Wednesday
This book is not available but one of her previous books are – I am going to pick that one up!
Mystica´s last post …REVIEW – A MEETING POINT – LUCY CALDWELL
I’m glad you enjoyed this one so much! I’ve been wanting to read this one as I saw that it was set in SF or has scenes there so I hope to get my hands on a copy soon.
Amused´s last post …(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Owl Themed Baby Shower
Sounds like a powerful read, which is great, because I often get ensnared by interestingly entitled books like this, but just as often get disappointed lol.
Jessicabookworm´s last post …Trilogy: Is Three the Magic Number?
Oh you’ve convinced me. This sounds bery good.
SuziQoregon´s last post …Library Stairs
I have had this out from the library before, but just haven’t had time to read it. I am glad it is good!
Kailana´s last post …Friday Reads – 19th Edition
I just read this one last week and loved it! The last chapter was especially a favorite of mine.
Aths´s last post …The Sunday Salon: A lazy mornin’ with coffee
I’ve not heard about this one, but I shall have to look into it after reading your review. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!