My brain is fried and it’s not even the end of the week yet.
Until I can string sentences together in some sort of coherent fashion, let me point you to someone who does it far better than I ever will. When the Emperor Was Divine is a novel about a Japanese American family’s experiences during World War II. Like thousands of real Japanese Americans of the 1940s, Julie Otsuka’s fictional, unnamed family is forced to leave their home and possessions behind in California when they are sent to an internment (concentration) camp in Utah. They are held there for over three years and released after the war ends, but their war with identity and belonging is only just beginning.
The subject matter isn’t pretty, but Otsuka’s writing is poignant, lyrical and thought-provoking. This is a lean little novel (I read it in two hours last night), reminiscent of Hemingway in her spare use of details and incredible narrative voice. I recommend it.
at 10:11 PM 
Hey, girl. I had fun last night. Thanks for dinner. Next time it is my turn. Your blogs are amazing...funny and sophisticated. Can’t wait to read some of your stuff...after Hawthorne, of course.
By the way, I have a red room in my house, too. 
Donna
Comment by on Friday, May 26, 2006 Awww… thanks, Donna. I don’t think anyone has ever called me sophisticated before!
Comment by Kristina on Saturday, May 27, 2006 
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