Chikara

by Robert Skimin

Traces the lives and fortunes of three generations of the Hoshi family, a Japanese-American dynasty, from their 1907 departure for America, through the turbulence of World War I, Prohibition, and World War II, to Japan's economic recovery in the postwar era

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

640 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Murielle Cyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Skimin’s historical novel, Chikara, is an epic family drama of the two great countries, America and Japan. It spans from 1905 through the 1980’s and covers the early American racism against the Japanese settlers of California, the anti-American sentiment in t Japan, the forced resettlement of Japanese people in American war camps, the bombing of Pearl Harbour as well of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. These historical events shape the characters’ dreams and ambitions, their lives and their spirit.
Sataro of the House of Hoshi, driven by his ancient samurai blood, has left his beloved Japan to seek his dream of power in America. His descendants will suffer the aftermath of his vision and as they too try to forge their own newer dream.
This a story that pays tribute to the Japanese Americans who persevered in the face of racism and established their cultural communities with hard work, honour and patience. Highly recommended historical reading!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read and a long book. I liked it.
Basically follows a Japanese/American family, 1907-1983 (book was published in 1984). Interesting read about California growing up, and about pre-war and post-war life in Japan.

[Sukriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Chikara" by Robert Skimin is a gripping historical novel set during World War II, focusing on the Japanese-American experience. The story follows Lieutenant Kenji Kobayashi, a Nisei soldier fighting in Europe while his family is interned back in the U.S. Skimin masterfully captures the internal and external battles faced by Japanese-Americans, blending intense war scenes with poignant personal struggles. The novel’s rich character development and historical accuracy make it both educational and emotionally resonant. While the pace may slow at times, the powerful themes of loyalty, identity, and courage ensure a compelling read from start to finish.

[Baron Olshevri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad book at all. However if I took just one tiny sip of alcohol whenever someone "snarled" or "growled" in the story, I'd have sirrosis of the liver by now.
It was good even though the repeated descriptions of "gentle Miyuki" "still lovely Itoko" started to grate on me.
However I am a huge fan of good old family sagas and this one didn't disappoint.

[Jim Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rated this 3.5 on my rating

5.0 - Amazing
4.5 - I loved it
4.0 - I liked it a lot
3.5 - I Liked it
3.0 - It was OK
2.5 - Just
2.0 - I wouldn't bother
1.5 - I didn't like it much
1.0 - I disliked it

[Betsy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like a soap opera, but soap operas are entertaining and this book kept me reading. It presents a Japanese family caught between Japan and U.S. From the time it begins in 1907, the reader is thinking ahead to WWII.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical fiction