This is definitely a genre I steer clear of normally (Historical/War-Military/Japanese-American)--I am not into war. That said I am very glad I agreed to read this one when asked. The things they don't teach us in history class--unbelievable. This is a work of fiction but based on real events!
Let me clear up some of the words first since a lot of us don't know the meaning--
Nisei - A Japanese son or daughter, born and educated in the United States, whose parents emigrated from Japan
Issei - A man or woman who were born in Japan but emigrated to the United States
Haole - A White American
This book uses a lot of words that the Hawaiian Japanese used back then and some even in pidgeon-but all words are explained within the pages of this novel. Also be sure to read the Author's note at the beginning of the novel.
This is the story, written in the form of a memoir, from Hidio Takahashi as he was dying to his son, Robert Yakahashi. He had a translator write down his story as he spoke it. It tells of his life, how he was accused wrongly of being a spy and how he and his family were sent to an interment camp, and what they were like. It tells of his love from an early age for Mary (who did love him back)-but how both their fathers forbid it. It also tells the story of the soldiers of the 442nd--a unit in the army of Hawaiian Japanese Americans who fought for the United States in WWII.
Will what is written stop Robert from committing suicide? Will the revelations about who he really is haunt him or set him free?
Yes, this is also a love story written beautifully and I hope that all people read this book---To forget history means it might just happen again (heaven forbid).
About the Book: (from Amazon)
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Government encouraged all eligible young men to enlist immediately in the fight against its enemies overseas--all eligible young men, except Japanese-Americans. Nisei is the story of Hideo "Bobby" Takahashi, a Hawaiian-born Japanese-American who must overcome prejudice, internment, and the policies of his own government to prove his loyalty to his country. Narrated by Bobby Takahashi and read by his son, Robert, forty-six years after Bobby's death, the story details the young Nisei's determination to fight honorably for his country and return to the young love he was forced to leave--a girl he cannot have because she is White.
Read a chapter or 2 here
Purchase the book here
About the Author: (from Amazon)
J.J. White ( www.jjwhitebooks.com ) has penned eight novels and over three hundred short stories. He has had articles and stories published in several anthologies and magazines including, Wordsmith, The Homestead Review, The Seven Hills Review, Bacopa Review, and The Grey Sparrow Journal. His story, The Adventure of the Nine Hole League, was recently published in the Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine, Volume 13. His story, "Lucky Bastard Club" was recently published by The Saturday Evening Post." He has won awards and honors from the Alabama Writers Conclave, Writers-Editors International, Maryland Writers Association, The Royal Palm Literary Awards, Professional Writers of Prescott, and Writer's Digest.
J.J. was recently nominated for the Pushcart Prize for his short piece Tour Bus. His novel, Prodigious Savant, was published in 2014 as part of a three book deal with Black Opal Books. His second novel, Deviant Acts, was published November 14, 2015. He enjoys writing, surfing, golf and tennis. He lives in Merritt Island, Florida with his understanding wife, editor, and typist, Pamela.
Author's Website
Authors's Blog
Goodreads
I received a paperback edition of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.
12 comments :
That's funny that you steer clear from this subject. It is one I gravitate towards! Especially when rooted in facts!
I'm not into war novels too but I'm interested in Japanese culture. I'd definitely check this out.
I am not a fan of war novels but this one seems very intriguing and probably a very quick read once you get into it!
I'm not a fan of war books or movies, but this sounds fascinating! I'll have to check it out!
I have a good friend who would absolutely love this book.She loves history and especially this time period. I will make sure she sees this.
This sounds like it could be really intersting. I will check it out!
What a great book to read! It's interesting and reading is my habit. I'll check it out.
I think all historical novels are interesting. I really like the different perspectivies you can garner from different culture and backgrounds of the writers.
Not nly is this novel sound interesting, but it is also about history! This makes it even better, we get to learn!
Ooooo this novel sounds great! I need to add it to my reading list
Surprisingly, some war novels can be as moving and heartwarming as any other. I was drawn in by the part about it being loosely based on real events or a true story. I like that.
This sounds like an incredible interesting story. I'm new to war novels too but this plot would likely draw me in.
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