Mothertalk: Life Stories of Mary Kiyoshi Kiyooka

by Roy Kiyooka, Daphne Marlatt

In 1993 Mary Kiyooka sat with her son Roy Kiyooka, one of Canada’s most important avant-garde painters, and a tape recorder and in her native Japanese shared her memories with him—her childhood in Japan, her arrival as a married woman in Canada, and her family’s experience in Alberta during the Japanese internment period.

Genres: History, Memoir, Canada, Biography

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[prescribed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tender and really interesting if you're into Canadian history.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this book a 3.5/5 because they are the anecdotes of a woman who never had the ability to talk about her life largely due to the language barriers inflicted. I feel she deserves the consideration and her story to be read.

really, these tales are sad reflections on one's life as an immigrant within Canada during the early 20th century and how many traditions (including those associated with family bonding and care) have disintegrated under Western ideals.

the text itself is poorly compiled. many spelling errors and a distinct lack of punctuation give this book a very informal and haphazard feel. however, this may have been done to lend a certain authentic feel to the text considering the original author (the son) died before completion as well as the mother (interviewee) did not speak English well.

In spite of its flaws, this book is an essential read to provide historical insight into a woman's role, journey, and wisdom from her 100 years of life.

[Raymond Nakamura · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many interesting points of view of an Issei woman in Alberta, often poetic, poignant in its frankness. Wonder though because it was processed through an interpreter then the son and finally another editor. Enjoyed discussing with the Nikkei National Museum group.

[Mary Stregger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the layers of authorship