By Julie Otsuka When The Emperor Was Divine 91403

A Review of When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

When the Emperor Was Divine is a historical fiction novel by Julie Otsuka that tells the story of a Japanese American family who were forced to leave their home in Berkeley, California and relocate to an internment camp in Utah during World War II. The novel is based on the author's own family history, as her grandfather was arrested by the FBI as a suspected spy for Japan and her mother, uncle and grandmother spent three years in the camp.

The novel is divided into five chapters, each narrated by a different member of the family: the mother, who receives the evacuation order and prepares to leave; the daughter, who experiences the long and crowded train ride to the camp; the son, who adapts to the harsh conditions and boredom of the camp; the father, who returns after four years of imprisonment and interrogation; and the family, who tries to rebuild their lives after the war. The novel explores themes such as identity, loyalty, loss, racism, trauma and resilience.

Otsuka's writing style is simple yet powerful, using vivid details and imagery to convey the emotions and experiences of her characters. She also uses repetition, symbolism and irony to create a sense of contrast and irony between the American ideals and the reality of discrimination and injustice. The novel has been praised for its historical accuracy, emotional impact and literary merit. It has won several awards, including the Asian American Literary Award and the American Library Association Alex Award. It has also been selected as a New York Times Notable Book, a San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year and a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers finalist.

When the Emperor Was Divine is a compelling and moving novel that sheds light on a dark chapter of American history and offers a human perspective on the lives of those who were affected by it. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

One of the most striking features of the novel is the use of anonymity and silence. The characters are never named, only referred to by their roles or pronouns. This creates a sense of detachment and universality, as if they could represent any Japanese American family who went through the same ordeal. It also reflects their loss of identity and individuality under the oppressive system that labels them as enemies and aliens. The novel also uses minimal dialogue and relies mostly on description and narration. This creates a sense of distance and isolation, as well as a contrast between the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters and the outward appearance and actions they have to maintain.

Another notable aspect of the novel is the use of historical facts and references. The novel is based on extensive research and incorporates real events, documents, dates and locations into the fictional narrative. For example, the novel mentions the Executive Order 9066 that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans, the loyalty questionnaire that they had to fill out, the relocation centers that they were sent to, the riots that broke out in some camps, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The novel also includes photographs, newspaper clippings, posters and maps that illustrate the historical context and provide visual evidence of the reality of the internment.

When the Emperor Was Divine is not only a historical novel, but also a literary one. It uses various literary devices and techniques to enhance its storytelling and convey its message. For example, the novel uses metaphors and similes to create vivid images and comparisons, such as comparing the train ride to a funeral procession, or comparing the father's return to a ghost's appearance. The novel also uses irony and sarcasm to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of the situation, such as when the mother sarcastically thanks the government for taking care of her family, or when the son ironically says that he loves America. The novel also uses symbolism and foreshadowing to create connections and meanings, such as when the mother burns her Japanese belongings before leaving, or when the daughter sees a white dog in the camp that reminds her of her own dog that she had to leave behind. ec8f644aee