Discover books similar to "When the Emperor Was Divine"
Julie Otsuka
When the Emperor Was Divine
3.74
"When the Emperor Was Divine" by Julie Otsuka is a haunting and lyrical exploration of the Japanese American internment camps during World War II. The novel is unique in its structure, as it is told from the collective perspective of a Japanese American family who are forced to leave their home in Berkeley, California, and relocate to an internment camp in the Utah desert. The story unfolds in five parts, each told from the viewpoint of a different family member. The first section is narrated by the mother, who describes the sudden and inexplicable orders to pack only what they can carry and report to a local assembly center. The second section is told from the perspective of the father, who is already in a camp when the rest of the family arrives. The remaining sections are narrated by the children, who struggle to adapt to their new surroundings and the loss of their freedom. Otsuka's prose is spare and evocative, capturing the sense of dislocation and loss that the family experiences. She also explores the complex emotions of the interned Japanese Americans, who are caught between their loyalty to their country and their anger at the injustice of their situation. "When the Emperor Was Divine" is a powerful and moving account of a shameful chapter in American history. It is a reminder of the importance of standing up for civil liberties and the dangers of prejudice and fear. The novel is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as the family members find ways to maintain their dignity and identity in the face of adversity. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in American history, Asian American studies, or literature that explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. It is a relatively short read, but its impact is profound and enduring...
List of books similar to "When the Emperor Was Divine":
David Guterson
Snow Falling on Cedars
A sweeping, atmospheric novel of love and war set in the Pacific Northwest. The story revolves around a fisherman of Japanese descent who is accused of murder, and the trial that follows reveals the tensions and prejudices of the community. This book is a great choice for fans of 'When the Emperor Was Divine' as it also explores the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II.
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Jamie Ford
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
A historical novel set in Seattle during World War II, this book tells the story of a Chinese American boy and a Japanese American girl who fall in love in the midst of anti-Japanese sentiment. This book is a great choice for fans of 'When the Emperor Was Divine' as it explores the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II.
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Joy Kogawa
Obasan
A novel that tells the story of a Japanese Canadian girl and her family who are sent to an internment camp during World War II. This book is a great choice for fans of 'When the Emperor Was Divine' as it explores the experiences of Japanese Canadians during the war.
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Jhumpa Lahiri
The Namesake
A novel that explores the experiences of an Indian American family and the challenges of balancing cultural traditions with assimilation. This book is a great choice for fans of 'When the Emperor Was Divine' as it also explores the experiences of a family navigating a new culture.
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Amy Tan
The Joy Luck Club
A novel that tells the story of four Chinese American women and their Chinese immigrant mothers. The book explores themes of cultural identity, family, and the immigrant experience. This book is a great choice for fans of 'When the Emperor Was Divine' as it also explores the experiences of families navigating a new culture.
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John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath
A classic novel that tells the story of a family of Oklahoma farmers who are forced to travel to California during the Great Depression in search of work. This book is a great choice for fans of 'When the Emperor Was Divine' as it explores the experiences of a family facing discrimination and hardship.
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Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns
A novel that tells the story of two Afghan women whose lives intersect in Kabul during the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban. This book is a great choice for fans of 'When the Emperor Was Divine' as it explores the experiences of families facing discrimination and hardship.
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Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
A novel that tells the story of an evangelical Baptist
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