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No Quiet Water
After the U.S. declares war on Japan in 1941, all persons of Japanese descent in the Western U.S. come under suspicion. Curfews are imposed, bank accounts frozen, and FBI agents search homes randomly.
Despite the fact that two generations of the Miyota family are American citizens, Fumio and his parents and sister Kimiko must pack meager belongings and are transported under military escort to the California desert to be held at Camp Manzanar, leaving their good friends and neighbors the Whitlocks to care for their farm and their dog, Flyer.
The family suffer unimaginable insults, witness prejudice and violent protests, are forced to live in squalor, and are provided only poor-quality, unfamiliar food which makes them ill. Later, they are transferred to Idaho’s Camp Minidoka, where Fumio learns what it means to endure and where he discovers a new world of possibility and belonging.
Lyrical, visual, and rendered with strict attention to historical accuracy, No Quiet Water, shines a poignant light on current issues of racism and radical perspectives.
Despite the fact that two generations of the Miyota family are American citizens, Fumio and his parents and sister Kimiko must pack meager belongings and are transported under military escort to the California desert to be held at Camp Manzanar, leaving their good friends and neighbors the Whitlocks to care for their farm and their dog, Flyer.
The family suffer unimaginable insults, witness prejudice and violent protests, are forced to live in squalor, and are provided only poor-quality, unfamiliar food which makes them ill. Later, they are transferred to Idaho’s Camp Minidoka, where Fumio learns what it means to endure and where he discovers a new world of possibility and belonging.
Lyrical, visual, and rendered with strict attention to historical accuracy, No Quiet Water, shines a poignant light on current issues of racism and radical perspectives.
356 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2023
66 people are currently reading
1868 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 12, 2023
This is one of several historical fiction books about the incarceration of Japanese-Americans that has been published recently. I have to wonder if it’s because those citizens, now in their 80’s and 90’s, are more willing now than before to tell their stories.
“No Quiet Water” is geared toward a middle-grade to Y.A. audience. The story alternates between the viewpoints of young Fumio, whose life is uprooted when he and his family are forced off their strawberry farm into a relocation center, and his dog Flyer, who is left in the care of neighbors. There are themes about having fortitude and patience in troubled times, of true friendship, family bonds and loyalty to country.
Being a dog lover, I was a bit disappointed in the passages told in Flyer’s “voice”; I’m not a fan of narratives told by animals. I would have preferred the author to stick more to the historical fiction about life in the camps. Those passages I thoroughly enjoyed, and learned some things I hadn’t known before.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
“No Quiet Water” is geared toward a middle-grade to Y.A. audience. The story alternates between the viewpoints of young Fumio, whose life is uprooted when he and his family are forced off their strawberry farm into a relocation center, and his dog Flyer, who is left in the care of neighbors. There are themes about having fortitude and patience in troubled times, of true friendship, family bonds and loyalty to country.
Being a dog lover, I was a bit disappointed in the passages told in Flyer’s “voice”; I’m not a fan of narratives told by animals. I would have preferred the author to stick more to the historical fiction about life in the camps. Those passages I thoroughly enjoyed, and learned some things I hadn’t known before.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
June 23, 2024
This book spoke to me on so many levels. My family has a history of being kept in internment camps, even though my family is American, we were also Japanese as well. Kamada weaves a story full of human kindness and compassion, and I was moved to learn that it is based on a true story. While the inclusion of Flyer’s chapters were a bit odd to me at first, I came to love his chapters, and I feel they added a great deal of depth to the story.
The writing was easy to read and I adored the main family and the side characters as well. I appreciate that this book didn’t focus on the horrific abuse, but rather shone a light on the small acts of kindness that were shown to Japanese Americans during this time period. This book would be a perfect introduction for those who want to learn more about the Japanese internment camps from a real life story. From someone who is a descendant of proud Japanese Americans who experienced this first hand, I want to say thank you for shedding light on this often looked over chapter in American history.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #NoQuietWater #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The writing was easy to read and I adored the main family and the side characters as well. I appreciate that this book didn’t focus on the horrific abuse, but rather shone a light on the small acts of kindness that were shown to Japanese Americans during this time period. This book would be a perfect introduction for those who want to learn more about the Japanese internment camps from a real life story. From someone who is a descendant of proud Japanese Americans who experienced this first hand, I want to say thank you for shedding light on this often looked over chapter in American history.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #NoQuietWater #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2023
Injustice reigned in America during the 1942 - 1945 years at the behest of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. World War II struck on multiple planes, one of which was the internment of hundreds of thousands of American-Born Japanese, interned because there might be one spy in the haystack. These mostly law-abiding US citizens, who had nothing in their hearts of the country of Japan's war schemes, were herded in droves to these camps that had been slapped together without proper care and conditions were often primitive.
This historical fiction story, No Quiet Water, traces the wonderful Miyota family and their dog Flyer who also had wonderful neighbors who helped and supported them during their years of incarceration, first in a California "facility," and then one in Idaho. Their grace, endurance and perseverance without bitterness, despite the deplorable conditions, was amazing. Fumio was an amazing half-grown boy who really did the best he could. The dog Flyer adds many tender moments.
The book is based on the author's relatives' account as well as researched sources, some of which you will see listed at book end. Although I have heard of the interments before, this was still an enlightening read. Therefore, I believe all Americans would do well to read this valuable account and learn positive lessons from it.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
October 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
This historical fiction story, No Quiet Water, traces the wonderful Miyota family and their dog Flyer who also had wonderful neighbors who helped and supported them during their years of incarceration, first in a California "facility," and then one in Idaho. Their grace, endurance and perseverance without bitterness, despite the deplorable conditions, was amazing. Fumio was an amazing half-grown boy who really did the best he could. The dog Flyer adds many tender moments.
The book is based on the author's relatives' account as well as researched sources, some of which you will see listed at book end. Although I have heard of the interments before, this was still an enlightening read. Therefore, I believe all Americans would do well to read this valuable account and learn positive lessons from it.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
October 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
January 3, 2023
The Review
This was such a unique and special read. The author does an incredible job of crafting a narrative for readers that feels accessible on a large scale to a multitude of readers while also diving deeply into the heart of the narrative and the themes that they explore, which feel personal and painfully intimate to the characters involved. The themes took on a serious tone as the author delved into some serious subject matter, including themes of racism and mistrust in the wake of tragedies, and the way fear and doubt warp people’s perception of others, something that is happening even now in our own modern times, which made this story feel tragically more relatable than ever before.
The heart of this narrative was the rich character development and the multi-POVs that the story takes on. The heartbreaking and enduring story of Fumio and his family create that emotional relatability between the reader and the narrative that a historical fiction of this magnitude has while also creating a unique perspective through the eyes of the family dog who is forced to be left behind on the family farm in the care of neighbors gave this story the YA and middle-grade genre twist that will make the narrative accessible to a broader audience.
The Verdict
Captivating, emotionally driven, and memorable, author Shirley Miller Kamada’s “No Quiet Water” is a must-read historical fiction Japanese and United States historical fiction read. The heart and passion for which the author wrote, as well as the important themes that touched upon some of our society’s most vital issues that need to be addressed, showcased how we need to learn from our past and the power that resides within us all as we discover who we are in moments of great tragedy and crisis.
This was such a unique and special read. The author does an incredible job of crafting a narrative for readers that feels accessible on a large scale to a multitude of readers while also diving deeply into the heart of the narrative and the themes that they explore, which feel personal and painfully intimate to the characters involved. The themes took on a serious tone as the author delved into some serious subject matter, including themes of racism and mistrust in the wake of tragedies, and the way fear and doubt warp people’s perception of others, something that is happening even now in our own modern times, which made this story feel tragically more relatable than ever before.
The heart of this narrative was the rich character development and the multi-POVs that the story takes on. The heartbreaking and enduring story of Fumio and his family create that emotional relatability between the reader and the narrative that a historical fiction of this magnitude has while also creating a unique perspective through the eyes of the family dog who is forced to be left behind on the family farm in the care of neighbors gave this story the YA and middle-grade genre twist that will make the narrative accessible to a broader audience.
The Verdict
Captivating, emotionally driven, and memorable, author Shirley Miller Kamada’s “No Quiet Water” is a must-read historical fiction Japanese and United States historical fiction read. The heart and passion for which the author wrote, as well as the important themes that touched upon some of our society’s most vital issues that need to be addressed, showcased how we need to learn from our past and the power that resides within us all as we discover who we are in moments of great tragedy and crisis.
January 6, 2023
Tender, poignant portrait of a family suffering unimaginable circumstances.
January 2, 2023
I enjoyed this read very much. It is the first book I have read about the interment camps in the US during WW2. Although fiction it is based on much research and conversations with those who experienced it. It is very well written and an easy read.
November 27, 2022
Rounded to 2.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
CONTENT WARNING: racism, racist slurs, bullying
Since the American education system (unsurprisingly) glosses over the shameful history of the internment camps, I was intrigued when I received an email offering an ARC of this book. I wanted to learn more about this period of time, and what life was like for Americans of Japanese descent who were uprooted and forced to live in these camps. However, this book wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
I quickly realized that this was geared more towards the younger side of MG readers. It’s written in a very simple style, and there are many chapters told from the POV of Flyer, Fumio’s dog. This surprised me, and while I’m very partial to dogs, Flyer’s chapters didn’t exactly feel realistic.
We get to see life in Bainbridge Island from Fumio’s perspective, where he attends school, helps on his family’s farm, and spends time with his best friend and neighbor, Zachary. He’s a typical American kid, regardless of his Japanese descent. But once Pearl Harbor is bombed, they all come under suspicion. Fortunately, their neighbors are willing to hang onto some of their belongings that might cast doubt onto their American loyalty. When the order comes for the Miyota family to evacuate, their neighbors agree to care for their farm and Flyer.
There are instances of racism and racist slurs seen in the story, as well as unfair treatment of the people interned in the camps, especially during their transit to the camps. However, we don’t really get to see much about how poor the conditions really were in the camps. Yes, we are shown that the houses were shoddily thrown together, the latrines didn’t offer privacy, and the terrain wasn’t very hospitable, but Fumio and his family don’t really seem to struggle as much as I would have expected. He stays busy helping his father and learning new skills, and even learning Japanese drumming, while other boys learn martial arts. He practices gardening, while other people create rock gardens. Everyone seems to have a job, and Fumio’s family receives wages that they can use at a commissary, and can communicate with the outside world.
It kind of felt like there was an opportunity to create an extremely powerful story, but instead it got bogged down in the day to day activities which became repetitive. Fumio wakes up and goes to the mess hall, helps his father, goes to drumming or performs another kind of activity, and then goes to sleep. I was disappointed in how this went, and how suddenly it ended, without the closure I was expecting. After reading all of this, I wondered what happened to Fumio and his family after they were released—whatever happened to their property? None of this is ever resolved, and I was ultimately left with a lot of questions.
This book would probably appeal to younger readers, although it would probably be a bit long and repetitive even for them. I did like learning more about Japanese culture, and how traditional outlooks did help them get through these difficult times, as well as how the community came together to help each other out for the most part. However, I would have appreciated if this book was clearly labeled as MG, since I probably would have skipped it if I knew that this was geared towards an age range that I don’t typically read. On that note, I do think that this is an era that needs to be more well known, and should be written about more widely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
CONTENT WARNING: racism, racist slurs, bullying
Since the American education system (unsurprisingly) glosses over the shameful history of the internment camps, I was intrigued when I received an email offering an ARC of this book. I wanted to learn more about this period of time, and what life was like for Americans of Japanese descent who were uprooted and forced to live in these camps. However, this book wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
I quickly realized that this was geared more towards the younger side of MG readers. It’s written in a very simple style, and there are many chapters told from the POV of Flyer, Fumio’s dog. This surprised me, and while I’m very partial to dogs, Flyer’s chapters didn’t exactly feel realistic.
We get to see life in Bainbridge Island from Fumio’s perspective, where he attends school, helps on his family’s farm, and spends time with his best friend and neighbor, Zachary. He’s a typical American kid, regardless of his Japanese descent. But once Pearl Harbor is bombed, they all come under suspicion. Fortunately, their neighbors are willing to hang onto some of their belongings that might cast doubt onto their American loyalty. When the order comes for the Miyota family to evacuate, their neighbors agree to care for their farm and Flyer.
There are instances of racism and racist slurs seen in the story, as well as unfair treatment of the people interned in the camps, especially during their transit to the camps. However, we don’t really get to see much about how poor the conditions really were in the camps. Yes, we are shown that the houses were shoddily thrown together, the latrines didn’t offer privacy, and the terrain wasn’t very hospitable, but Fumio and his family don’t really seem to struggle as much as I would have expected. He stays busy helping his father and learning new skills, and even learning Japanese drumming, while other boys learn martial arts. He practices gardening, while other people create rock gardens. Everyone seems to have a job, and Fumio’s family receives wages that they can use at a commissary, and can communicate with the outside world.
It kind of felt like there was an opportunity to create an extremely powerful story, but instead it got bogged down in the day to day activities which became repetitive. Fumio wakes up and goes to the mess hall, helps his father, goes to drumming or performs another kind of activity, and then goes to sleep. I was disappointed in how this went, and how suddenly it ended, without the closure I was expecting. After reading all of this, I wondered what happened to Fumio and his family after they were released—whatever happened to their property? None of this is ever resolved, and I was ultimately left with a lot of questions.
This book would probably appeal to younger readers, although it would probably be a bit long and repetitive even for them. I did like learning more about Japanese culture, and how traditional outlooks did help them get through these difficult times, as well as how the community came together to help each other out for the most part. However, I would have appreciated if this book was clearly labeled as MG, since I probably would have skipped it if I knew that this was geared towards an age range that I don’t typically read. On that note, I do think that this is an era that needs to be more well known, and should be written about more widely.
October 28, 2022
A rather sweet read that possibly targets younger readers. Having one of the "voices" be a dog is a nice touch and you can't help but be moved by the story. It would make a nice movie.
But wait... this is supposed to be about the horror of the internment camps. Yet all in all, the story seems sweet. I had a little trouble with that dichotomy. Fumio seems to thrive at the camp despite missing home. So, I'm not sure what the author's goal was here.
But wait... this is supposed to be about the horror of the internment camps. Yet all in all, the story seems sweet. I had a little trouble with that dichotomy. Fumio seems to thrive at the camp despite missing home. So, I'm not sure what the author's goal was here.
October 28, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
The attack on Pearl Harbor sent all of the United States into turmoil. All citizens of Asian heritage were considered probable enemies. The Chinese were allies during the war and therefore exempt from this prejudice.
On Bainbridge Island outside of Seattle, Washington, young Fumio Miyota and his best friend Zachary worked his father’s strawberry fields.
Fumio and his family are transported to Camp Manzanar. Even those families whose sons volunteered to join the armed forces were not spared this indignity. Fumio’s dog Flyer is left on the island with his friend Zachary.
The Miyota family is then transferred from California to Camp Minidoka near Rupert, Idaho. Minidoka was a town that sprung up during the building of the transcontinental railroad and had burned to the ground more than once. The camp was in the middle of the Snake River Plain high desert but the family made the best of this awful situation.
The author writes a very emotive story of the plight of Japanese Americans during WWII. The high desert is inhospitable; the camps are thrown together with green lumber and tar paper. The ever-present desert wind blows fine volcano grit over everything.
An interesting and sympathetic look at a sad period of history—well-written and engaging. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
The attack on Pearl Harbor sent all of the United States into turmoil. All citizens of Asian heritage were considered probable enemies. The Chinese were allies during the war and therefore exempt from this prejudice.
On Bainbridge Island outside of Seattle, Washington, young Fumio Miyota and his best friend Zachary worked his father’s strawberry fields.
Fumio and his family are transported to Camp Manzanar. Even those families whose sons volunteered to join the armed forces were not spared this indignity. Fumio’s dog Flyer is left on the island with his friend Zachary.
The Miyota family is then transferred from California to Camp Minidoka near Rupert, Idaho. Minidoka was a town that sprung up during the building of the transcontinental railroad and had burned to the ground more than once. The camp was in the middle of the Snake River Plain high desert but the family made the best of this awful situation.
The author writes a very emotive story of the plight of Japanese Americans during WWII. The high desert is inhospitable; the camps are thrown together with green lumber and tar paper. The ever-present desert wind blows fine volcano grit over everything.
An interesting and sympathetic look at a sad period of history—well-written and engaging. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 29, 2024
I was initially drawn to this story as a historical fiction of a seldom discussed period in history, and in particular American WWII history. Although not a bad story, it didn't quite meet expectations.
Some notes:
- the story is easy to read
I absolutely flew through this book. It was easy to understand and get through. This was definitely a strength of the book and helped make it easier not to give up on when the plot was lacking.
- the story is very slow and can be hard to get into
You're either going to be invested in this story or you're not, unfortunately. And if you're not, I would recommend finding another book to read because this probably won't be for you. If you're invested in the characters, absolutely go for it. There's not a lot of action to speak of and not even a lot of conflict despite the subject matter.
- this is definitely written for a younger audience
From the "curse words" being 'ding blast it' to even the racist bully (who gets a whole page or two of mention) being unable to come up with truly credible insults (and also weirdly explained away later as being in a potentially abusive home situation in a throw away line?), this book is made for younger audiences. I would not necessarily recommend this much higher than a middle school reading level. It's great that there's a book that openly discusses Japanese (and German although there's no mention of that in this book) internment in America after Pearl Harbor for that particular audience in a way they can understand and start to grapple with, but when you're going in as an adult reader expecting a YA reading experience, it's a little surprising. Maybe I'm just dumb and that was clearly stated somewhere, but I didn't see it. I do think that it's a really great fit for that audience though.
- very 'slice of life'
You're going to follow the daily activities of these characters. You're going to go step by step on things that don't really matter overall but are important to these characters and what they're trying to do. That's not a bad thing, but be prepared going in because you're about to know every step of making a drum from odds and ends.
This focusing on the minutiae for life also has this weird effect of making the setting almost insignificant to the story. I do think that's a negative in a historical fiction book because the setting is kind of the whole point. 95% of this book could honestly have been set in a lot of different places and times and for the most part, it wouldn't have mattered.
- ok the elephant in the room, the dog being a narrator
This definitely contributes to the feeling of "younger audience".
Did we need an internment camp Homeward Bound/Lassie remix? I mean really, was there no better way to tell this story. It kind of trivializes the story in a lot of ways.
I know it's historical FICTION but having a dog narrate half your story really feels out of place in that genre.
Some notes:
- the story is easy to read
I absolutely flew through this book. It was easy to understand and get through. This was definitely a strength of the book and helped make it easier not to give up on when the plot was lacking.
- the story is very slow and can be hard to get into
You're either going to be invested in this story or you're not, unfortunately. And if you're not, I would recommend finding another book to read because this probably won't be for you. If you're invested in the characters, absolutely go for it. There's not a lot of action to speak of and not even a lot of conflict despite the subject matter.
- this is definitely written for a younger audience
From the "curse words" being 'ding blast it' to even the racist bully (who gets a whole page or two of mention) being unable to come up with truly credible insults (and also weirdly explained away later as being in a potentially abusive home situation in a throw away line?), this book is made for younger audiences. I would not necessarily recommend this much higher than a middle school reading level. It's great that there's a book that openly discusses Japanese (and German although there's no mention of that in this book) internment in America after Pearl Harbor for that particular audience in a way they can understand and start to grapple with, but when you're going in as an adult reader expecting a YA reading experience, it's a little surprising. Maybe I'm just dumb and that was clearly stated somewhere, but I didn't see it. I do think that it's a really great fit for that audience though.
- very 'slice of life'
You're going to follow the daily activities of these characters. You're going to go step by step on things that don't really matter overall but are important to these characters and what they're trying to do. That's not a bad thing, but be prepared going in because you're about to know every step of making a drum from odds and ends.
This focusing on the minutiae for life also has this weird effect of making the setting almost insignificant to the story. I do think that's a negative in a historical fiction book because the setting is kind of the whole point. 95% of this book could honestly have been set in a lot of different places and times and for the most part, it wouldn't have mattered.
- ok the elephant in the room, the dog being a narrator
This definitely contributes to the feeling of "younger audience".
Did we need an internment camp Homeward Bound/Lassie remix? I mean really, was there no better way to tell this story. It kind of trivializes the story in a lot of ways.
I know it's historical FICTION but having a dog narrate half your story really feels out of place in that genre.
January 20, 2023
No Quiet Water by Shirley Miller Kamada tells the tale of Fumio Miyota who lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington, with his mother, father, and little sister, Kimiko. The story takes place after the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. As Japanese Americans, they are struggling with those who detest their differences and are suspicious of their intentions in America. When Fumio begins to hear whispers of war terrorizing the Japanese people because of the bombing, he realizes that his tranquil town may not be as peaceful as he thought. The fighting may not end with the one bombing, and Japanese Americans are sent to internment camps and are displaced from their home. The family begins by having freedom and ends up being inventoried each day, making sure no one gets away. What can ten-year-old Fumio do to save their people and protect their families from harm?
Opinion:
No Quiet Water by Shirley Miller Kamada is a book I would highly recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction. I really enjoyed this book because of the window it provides into Japanese-American culture. I learned a great deal about the experience of Japanese Americans during this time of turmoil in the 1940s. The inhumane struggles they experienced provided me a stronger understanding of this time, and I feel much more educated about this culture after reading. Fumio, the main character, is relatable and has a doting relationship with his family. The pace of the story is fast and keeps one’s attention throughout the entire telling. Kamada’s plot is full of suspense and has the reader rooting for the Miyota family all the way. One empathizes with the characters’ conflicts, hoping they can make it through their days. The idyllic setting is described in intimate detail, and a reader’s ability to sense living life with the characters makes one able to connect with the emotion and feeling of the plot. The mood seems to be rather somber yet hopeful. It seems that the family has realized the fate that lies before them, but they will not succumb to it. Kamada tells the powerful, moving story of a boy who longs to protect the only life that he has ever known.
I give this book 5/5 stars because of the exhilarating, dramatic plot and the engaging writing style.
Opinion:
No Quiet Water by Shirley Miller Kamada is a book I would highly recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction. I really enjoyed this book because of the window it provides into Japanese-American culture. I learned a great deal about the experience of Japanese Americans during this time of turmoil in the 1940s. The inhumane struggles they experienced provided me a stronger understanding of this time, and I feel much more educated about this culture after reading. Fumio, the main character, is relatable and has a doting relationship with his family. The pace of the story is fast and keeps one’s attention throughout the entire telling. Kamada’s plot is full of suspense and has the reader rooting for the Miyota family all the way. One empathizes with the characters’ conflicts, hoping they can make it through their days. The idyllic setting is described in intimate detail, and a reader’s ability to sense living life with the characters makes one able to connect with the emotion and feeling of the plot. The mood seems to be rather somber yet hopeful. It seems that the family has realized the fate that lies before them, but they will not succumb to it. Kamada tells the powerful, moving story of a boy who longs to protect the only life that he has ever known.
I give this book 5/5 stars because of the exhilarating, dramatic plot and the engaging writing style.
October 24, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for gifting me a copy of No Quiet Water in exchange for an honest review!
What I liked:
The history of Japanese interment camps have been popping up on my radar more often these days. We don't learn much about them in school, so my knowledge on this topic is very basic. No Quiet Water provided a window for me to see into the lives of Japanese Americans who experienced incarceration. The Miyota family was one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved seeing the relationships between the family members in both good times and bad. The depiction of their farm life on Bainbridge Island was wholesome and provides the reader with a good understanding of their family morals and values.
Another thing that blew my mind was the additional controversial issues that surround the regional area of the camps and the government. Such as the use of dispossessed Native American land and water rights owned by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
What I Didn't Like:
I was a bit confused by the author's intended audience for the book. While the content is about a terrible time in American history, the way it was depicted seemed to lean more towards the lighter side.
The chapters told from the point of Fumio's dog, Flyer, also made the book seem like the book is geared towards a younger middle grade audience. Flyer's chapters were my least favorite parts of the book. Just when I would get into the groove of reading Fumio's chapters from an omniscient point of view, it was a jolt to have to read from the first person point of view of a dog. I would have much rather have the alternate point of view be from Fumio's best friend, Zachary Whitlock. The Miyota and Whitlock family were neighbors and close friends. Their perspective would have been very interesting.
Final Thoughts:
The historical aspect of the story was definitely was the shining light of this book. I learned new things about Japanese American history and was inspired to seek additional resources to learn more. If this book is in fact meant for middle grade, then this would be a wonderful book to introduce young readers to a part of history that often isn't covered in school.
What I liked:
The history of Japanese interment camps have been popping up on my radar more often these days. We don't learn much about them in school, so my knowledge on this topic is very basic. No Quiet Water provided a window for me to see into the lives of Japanese Americans who experienced incarceration. The Miyota family was one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved seeing the relationships between the family members in both good times and bad. The depiction of their farm life on Bainbridge Island was wholesome and provides the reader with a good understanding of their family morals and values.
Another thing that blew my mind was the additional controversial issues that surround the regional area of the camps and the government. Such as the use of dispossessed Native American land and water rights owned by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
What I Didn't Like:
I was a bit confused by the author's intended audience for the book. While the content is about a terrible time in American history, the way it was depicted seemed to lean more towards the lighter side.
The chapters told from the point of Fumio's dog, Flyer, also made the book seem like the book is geared towards a younger middle grade audience. Flyer's chapters were my least favorite parts of the book. Just when I would get into the groove of reading Fumio's chapters from an omniscient point of view, it was a jolt to have to read from the first person point of view of a dog. I would have much rather have the alternate point of view be from Fumio's best friend, Zachary Whitlock. The Miyota and Whitlock family were neighbors and close friends. Their perspective would have been very interesting.
Final Thoughts:
The historical aspect of the story was definitely was the shining light of this book. I learned new things about Japanese American history and was inspired to seek additional resources to learn more. If this book is in fact meant for middle grade, then this would be a wonderful book to introduce young readers to a part of history that often isn't covered in school.
January 1, 2023
I have never read about the incarceration of Japanese-Americans in internment camps before. Though I did see a powerful photo-essay about it in a magazine and was curious about the stories ever since. So when I got the opportunity to read the ARC of this book, I was pretty intrigued. I expected it to be a dark and intense story of the pathetic conditions in the camp telling in gruesome details what the people had to go through.
However, the tone of the book, different POVs in chapters as well as the story quickly told me that this book attempted to be more like “The diary of a young girl”. The way the book is written is suitable for YA audience and the story is told through the perspective of Fumio and Flyer. While Fumio is young and has had his life turned upside down, Flyer is a Dog. Yes, unexpected for sure. Those chapters diluted the authenticity the book tried to create since it falls in the historical fiction genre.
Fumio who worked with his best friend in his father’s strawberry fields now finds himself in Camp Manzanar, while his Dog Fumio is left on the island with his best friend. There were chapters which I believed were repetitive but then again, it seemed like an attempt to recreate the monotony of camp-life. While the book deals with very strong and dark themes, it does so in a hopeful manner. But what do you expect from a youngster’s POV. Fumio does not understand the complexity of the situation he is in and that is the beauty of it. He seems to get along fine in the camp and that just teaches you a lot about patience. While I think the book could have told a gut-wrenching story with the premise it worked with, I think the narrator chosen to tell the story made it clear that this would be a story of optimism.
However, the tone of the book, different POVs in chapters as well as the story quickly told me that this book attempted to be more like “The diary of a young girl”. The way the book is written is suitable for YA audience and the story is told through the perspective of Fumio and Flyer. While Fumio is young and has had his life turned upside down, Flyer is a Dog. Yes, unexpected for sure. Those chapters diluted the authenticity the book tried to create since it falls in the historical fiction genre.
Fumio who worked with his best friend in his father’s strawberry fields now finds himself in Camp Manzanar, while his Dog Fumio is left on the island with his best friend. There were chapters which I believed were repetitive but then again, it seemed like an attempt to recreate the monotony of camp-life. While the book deals with very strong and dark themes, it does so in a hopeful manner. But what do you expect from a youngster’s POV. Fumio does not understand the complexity of the situation he is in and that is the beauty of it. He seems to get along fine in the camp and that just teaches you a lot about patience. While I think the book could have told a gut-wrenching story with the premise it worked with, I think the narrator chosen to tell the story made it clear that this would be a story of optimism.
January 2, 2023
While I have read another book about the internment of Japanese USA citizens after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, I have never read a book which is from a dog's point of view.
Shirley Miller Kamada writes this story of Fumio Miyota and his dog Flyer, tapping into the first hand accounts of her husbands families experiences ....he was born in such a camp, many of which spung up, mostly on the West Coast of the USA.
Detainees were removed from the land, which the rightfully owned and toiled on to make a living. Trained and bused far away, to extremely basic camps, they could only retain scant possessions.
Fumio has to leave his dog companion Flyer behind with the neighbours. He is such a clever dog and does adjust well...learning new skills and being an asset to the Whitlocks. But he misses Fumio so much, he finally sets off on an epic journey across the barren country to find Fumio...carrying his baseball mat in his mouth.
Meanwhile Fumio's family are also learning new skills and doing what they can to survive with just the basics in the camps, moving from California to slightly closer to home Idaho.
Throughout both storylines we meet the best of people. Willing to help in what little way they can in this depressed wartime. Such a sharp contrast to the senseless, naive racism that sent anyone vaguely of Japanese heritage to effectively a prison camp.
This is a sympathetic take on the happenings at the camps....nothing very "bad" happenings, although the rumblings of discontent are eluded too. Such an interesting narrative of a time I am sure many Americans are now embarrassed by.
Thanks to NetGalley, Shirley Miller Kamada and Black Rose Writing for my copy.
Shirley Miller Kamada writes this story of Fumio Miyota and his dog Flyer, tapping into the first hand accounts of her husbands families experiences ....he was born in such a camp, many of which spung up, mostly on the West Coast of the USA.
Detainees were removed from the land, which the rightfully owned and toiled on to make a living. Trained and bused far away, to extremely basic camps, they could only retain scant possessions.
Fumio has to leave his dog companion Flyer behind with the neighbours. He is such a clever dog and does adjust well...learning new skills and being an asset to the Whitlocks. But he misses Fumio so much, he finally sets off on an epic journey across the barren country to find Fumio...carrying his baseball mat in his mouth.
Meanwhile Fumio's family are also learning new skills and doing what they can to survive with just the basics in the camps, moving from California to slightly closer to home Idaho.
Throughout both storylines we meet the best of people. Willing to help in what little way they can in this depressed wartime. Such a sharp contrast to the senseless, naive racism that sent anyone vaguely of Japanese heritage to effectively a prison camp.
This is a sympathetic take on the happenings at the camps....nothing very "bad" happenings, although the rumblings of discontent are eluded too. Such an interesting narrative of a time I am sure many Americans are now embarrassed by.
Thanks to NetGalley, Shirley Miller Kamada and Black Rose Writing for my copy.
May 15, 2023
To create an uplifting story of Japanese internment in the U.S. during World War Two seems an impossibility, but Shirley Miller Kamada has accomplished exactly this. Meticulously researched, this novel unfolds primarily from the perspective of Fumio Miyota, a young boy forced, with his family, to leave their strawberry farm on Bainbridge Island, Washington after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The other narrator, surprisingly, is Flyer, Fumio’s resourceful border collie, who's been left in the care of another family. Despite their mounting losses and the unrest that seizes the first camp to which they’re assigned, the Miyotas remain patient and kind with each other and those they encounter. In beautifully described scenes, we see them using what skills they can to improve the spartan and stripped-down life the camp provides. It’s a lesson for all of us.
Fumio’s best friend, Zachary, and his parents do their utmost to care for all the Miyotas have been forced to leave behind: their farm, their possessions, and Flyer. We should all be so lucky to know people like these, who generously extend themselves to mitigate their neighbors' losses. Fumio and Zachary’s friendship has echoes of the best stories of childhood buddies—their mutual trust far more powerful than the cultural differences that have separated them.
The title puzzled me, until I was a few pages from the end. It’s not a twist, but a nod to the undercurrent that runs throughout the novel. It’s a brilliant evocation of all these internees faced during these bleak years, and the grace with which they faced it.
Fumio’s best friend, Zachary, and his parents do their utmost to care for all the Miyotas have been forced to leave behind: their farm, their possessions, and Flyer. We should all be so lucky to know people like these, who generously extend themselves to mitigate their neighbors' losses. Fumio and Zachary’s friendship has echoes of the best stories of childhood buddies—their mutual trust far more powerful than the cultural differences that have separated them.
The title puzzled me, until I was a few pages from the end. It’s not a twist, but a nod to the undercurrent that runs throughout the novel. It’s a brilliant evocation of all these internees faced during these bleak years, and the grace with which they faced it.
January 28, 2023
The adventures of an American boy and his dog is an enduring theme in youth literature. In Shirley Miller Kamada’s No Quiet Water, this American boy is of Japanese descent and the dog is an intelligent border collie named Flyer. The novel opens in 1941 when anti-Japanese sentiments in the United States are spreading. The Miyota family’s life altered dramatically after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Fumio and his family are forced to leave their farm on Bainbridge Island, Washington and transported to the Manzanar Relocation Center in California. Flyer is unhappy at having to remain with Fumio’s best friend.
This coming-of-age historical novel is told through the eyes of a ten-year-old child and his faithful dog. The story shows that even under the most challenging circumstances, people can survive if they are lucky enough to have a loving family and loyal friends. I felt fully invested in the resilience and gumption displayed by Fumio as he and his family navigated the challenges of their ever-changing world.
At the same time, the author’s meticulous description and attention to historical detail provide glimpses of what life must have been like for those 11,000 Japanese Americans detained during the war years. This book should be on the shelves of every middle and high school library in the United States. The readers will become familiarized with an aspect of American history that is generally underreported while turning the pages to find out what happens to Fumio and Flyer. Five stars!
This coming-of-age historical novel is told through the eyes of a ten-year-old child and his faithful dog. The story shows that even under the most challenging circumstances, people can survive if they are lucky enough to have a loving family and loyal friends. I felt fully invested in the resilience and gumption displayed by Fumio as he and his family navigated the challenges of their ever-changing world.
At the same time, the author’s meticulous description and attention to historical detail provide glimpses of what life must have been like for those 11,000 Japanese Americans detained during the war years. This book should be on the shelves of every middle and high school library in the United States. The readers will become familiarized with an aspect of American history that is generally underreported while turning the pages to find out what happens to Fumio and Flyer. Five stars!
January 21, 2024
No Quiet Water describes the unthinkable injustices and obstacles caused by Executive Order 9066, the incarceration of one of the 120,000 Japanese American families after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Fumio (a ten-year-old boy when the story begins) and his family faced their new lives with courage and creativity, and they thrived despite the forced incarceration in internment camps in California and Idaho. A parallel story of Flyer, Fumio’s dog, who stays behind with a friend’s family, provides additional insight into the family’s rich and productive life as strawberry/chicken farmers living in Bainbridge Island before and during this dark chapter of our American history. The reader will be immersed in the day-to-day existence of a brave people determined to hold onto their values, their rich culture, and their optimism despite living in poorly constructed barracks, despite dust storms, illnesses, no running water, no toilets, and the inhumanity of our government’s confiscation of their homes, their businesses, their freedom. The author’s meticulous research and the many stories gleaned from her husband’s family history, bring the story to life and will fill in the gaps of this important chapter of our country’s history. I would recommend this book for readers ages 8 and older.
September 5, 2025
This is a book for children, but I am devouring it myself. Part of the reason I purchased it was to evaluate it as a potential gift for my grandkids. It's about the internment camps, and in some ways that experience is not glossed over, but because her audience is young, the author focuses on how children might have seen it. I believe she is intentionally focusing on positive elements: the main character Fumio, wants to create a gift for his little sister. Instead of begging for the things he needs, he humbly asks for the ability to work in exchange.
The author also chooses to "see" the situation through the POV of a border collie. Mostly it's Fumio, but we get intervals to see back home, and experience things through the dog. Bravo for the writing! The dog feels very doggish, if you know what I mean. If you realize that this story is meant for a ten-year-old (Fumio is ten), it will help to know how to use/recommend the story. I recommend it as a read-aloud for early elementary and as a reader for 10-14.
The author also chooses to "see" the situation through the POV of a border collie. Mostly it's Fumio, but we get intervals to see back home, and experience things through the dog. Bravo for the writing! The dog feels very doggish, if you know what I mean. If you realize that this story is meant for a ten-year-old (Fumio is ten), it will help to know how to use/recommend the story. I recommend it as a read-aloud for early elementary and as a reader for 10-14.
June 5, 2024
This novel traces the fate of Fumio and his family after the US puts into practice the decision to relocate persons of Japanese heritage into internment camps following the bombing of Pearl Harbour and the United States' declaration of war against Japan.
Despite being US citizens, he and his sister Kumiko are taken with their parents from the family farm to Camp Manzanar in the California desert. There, they must endure a level of hardship and humiliation that they could never have imagined.
The story follows the family members' trials after being transferred to a camp in Idaho, describing the harrowing experiences the Miyotas go through with empathy and an admirable degree of historical accuracy.
This one is worth a read for those interested in US history, the Second World War, or simply stories from ordinary human lives. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Despite being US citizens, he and his sister Kumiko are taken with their parents from the family farm to Camp Manzanar in the California desert. There, they must endure a level of hardship and humiliation that they could never have imagined.
The story follows the family members' trials after being transferred to a camp in Idaho, describing the harrowing experiences the Miyotas go through with empathy and an admirable degree of historical accuracy.
This one is worth a read for those interested in US history, the Second World War, or simply stories from ordinary human lives. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 22, 2023
No Quiet Water has cross-over appeal to YA and adult audiences. The reader will take a journey on a closely observed account of love and hardship as seen from the point of view of a boy and his dog. Kamada introduces details not well known or understood: Toyo and his camera, the diversion of water to Los Angeles and away from tribal areas, the art of taiko drumming with vibrations that resonate in the mind of the listener and reader. Through the point of view of a dog, named Flyer, Kamada cleverly crafts Flyer’s witnessing of something a dog couldn’t possibly understand as the boy’s family is forced to abandon him and their farm on Bainbridge Island, WA and travel far away to a desolate location in the U.S. interior to be incarcerated for the duration of WWII. Imagine being that dog. Imagine being that boy and his family. Just imagine.
July 31, 2024
Well written and easy to read the book appears to be targeted for young readers. It is the first book I’ve read about Japanese interment camps during WWII, definitely a topic omitted in school history.
The author writes a very emotive story about an American boy Fumio whose family was relocated from their farm in California to an interment camp in Idaho.
Although the book describes the unthinkable injustices and racism towards Japanese Americans it’s written from the perspective of a ten year old boy and his dog. As a result it portrays him as doing rather “well” in the camp.
The story lead me to reflect on the dark history of the United States when our government dishonored and humiliated its own citizens.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the Arthur Shirley Miller Kamala for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author writes a very emotive story about an American boy Fumio whose family was relocated from their farm in California to an interment camp in Idaho.
Although the book describes the unthinkable injustices and racism towards Japanese Americans it’s written from the perspective of a ten year old boy and his dog. As a result it portrays him as doing rather “well” in the camp.
The story lead me to reflect on the dark history of the United States when our government dishonored and humiliated its own citizens.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the Arthur Shirley Miller Kamala for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2023
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, everything changes for the Miyota family. Despite their status as American citizens, the family is forced to leave their farm and relocate to an internment camp in California. For young Fumio, this means being separated from his best friend, his dog Flyer. Facing unbearable levels of prejudice, the Miyotas struggle to survive in this hostile new world. Narrated alternately by Fumio and Flyer, No Quiet Water by new-to-me author Shirley Miller Kamada is a riveting story of a most disturbing time in our country's history. The attention to accuracy and historical detail, combined with the emotional impact of a nation in turmoil, make for highly recommended reading.
January 4, 2024
Alternately told through the eyes of young Fumio and his dog Flyer, NO QUIET WATER’s lyrical prose and compelling characters draw readers in to this historical narrative, where the American-born Miyota family is targeted because of their heritage after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Their mandatory relocation to a government-run internment camp forces them to leave behind their family farm and Fumio’s beloved dog. Shirley Miller Kamada’s poignant novel—filled with light humor and suspense—leads readers to reflect on that dark period in US history when our government vilified its own citizens, reminiscent of Nazi Germany.
I received this book as a gift and am delighted to make a place for it on my bookshelves.
I received this book as a gift and am delighted to make a place for it on my bookshelves.
January 19, 2024
No Quiet Water is a poetic tribute to the Japanese American families who were forced into internment camps during WWII. The story is told with such vivid details, at times I wondered if it were true (read the afterword for more on that!). I was surprised to see it was partly told through the eyes of a dog, something I haven’t read before, but it brought such an innocence to the storytelling, I ended up greatly appreciating the dog’s point-of-view. Overall, this was an uplifting story about the power of community, respect, and optimism, even through a difficult experience. Definitely an eye-opening read for me.
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February 27, 2023This debut novel enchanted me with its strong characterizations, steady though exciting pacing, and sense of place and time. Set in 1940s wartime, it follows a family of Japanese Americans from their farm life on Bainbridge Island, WA through their incarceration at interment camps in California and Idaho. I learned so much about this era that I did not know. What fortitude they showed in the face of unbelievable discrimination! Bravo for showing us the meaness and kindness of the human spirit. And there is a loyal and smart dog, too! All boxes checked. We'll done.
January 17, 2023
A story that will touch you
A moving story that is written through the eyes of a boy and his dog. While I am deeply saddened by the actions or the U.S. during this time, I am also reminded of the resilience of those affected. I can only hope that similar actions with all races or beliefs will begin to be handled with understanding rather than fear. Great job Shirley!!!!
A moving story that is written through the eyes of a boy and his dog. While I am deeply saddened by the actions or the U.S. during this time, I am also reminded of the resilience of those affected. I can only hope that similar actions with all races or beliefs will begin to be handled with understanding rather than fear. Great job Shirley!!!!
February 8, 2023
Hard to believe that the United States actually had internment camps for Japanese Americans after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, but this story made it more believable and more human. A little boy, his dog, and his family. A very emotional read.
March 11, 2023
In "No Quiet Water," Shirley Miller Kamada weaves a moving tale of one family's struggle to survive the Japanese American internment during World War II. The story is told through the alternating viewpoints of a young boy named Fumio and his loyal companion, Flyer, a border collie left behind when Fumio and his family are forcibly relocated from their home on Bainbridge Island, Washington, to camps in California and Idaho.
As Fumio endures the harsh realities of camp life, Flyer remains with Fumio's neighbors, but eventually sets out on a remarkable 600-mile journey to find his beloved companion. Along the way, Flyer encounters dangers and challenges, but his determination and love for Fumio carry him through.
"No Quiet Water" sheds light on a tragic and little-known chapter in American history, exploring themes of family, faith, and resilience in the face of injustice. Kamada's vivid prose brings Fumio and Flyer's story to life, illuminating the enduring bonds of love and loyalty that can sustain us even in our darkest hours.
While an obvious choice for young adults, this novel crosses over to adults as well. Kamada's family connection and extensive research led to a moving book as historically accurate as a documentary.
5 Stars for Shirley Miller Kamada!
As Fumio endures the harsh realities of camp life, Flyer remains with Fumio's neighbors, but eventually sets out on a remarkable 600-mile journey to find his beloved companion. Along the way, Flyer encounters dangers and challenges, but his determination and love for Fumio carry him through.
"No Quiet Water" sheds light on a tragic and little-known chapter in American history, exploring themes of family, faith, and resilience in the face of injustice. Kamada's vivid prose brings Fumio and Flyer's story to life, illuminating the enduring bonds of love and loyalty that can sustain us even in our darkest hours.
While an obvious choice for young adults, this novel crosses over to adults as well. Kamada's family connection and extensive research led to a moving book as historically accurate as a documentary.
5 Stars for Shirley Miller Kamada!
July 4, 2023
I had mixed feelings about this book, which I received as an advance review copy. Kamada’s novel provides a close look at what life was like for a family in the Japanese internment camps. I wish there were more stories about this, so we could have a better understanding of the terrible things that happened to these families. I liked the very personal nature of this story, which is told from the perspective of a young boy in the Manzanar and Minidoka camps. The author explains that her husband was actually born in a camp but it was many years before he talked with his family about their experience.
I struggled with the writing style of this novel, which seemed to be aimed at younger readers and which seemed to frequently downplay the serious nature of what occurred. The book is written in a matter of fact tone that was surprisingly unemotional (until near the end). Fumio, who is about 10 or 11, loses his friends, his beloved dog, and his home, but also has many positive experiences, like learning about Japanese drumming, rock gardening, and mechanics and construction work with his father. Kamada could have done a better job showing us the deprivations and the huge impacts on families, both financially and emotionally. I can appreciate that Fumio, as a child, would have adapted quickly to his new surroundings and made the best of it, maybe being unaware of the stresses on his and the other families. But I think his experience could have been written in a way that reflected these stresses, or maybe having both an adult and child narrator would have been more insightful.
Also, while the camps were in operation for 3-4 years, this story is told over a fairly short period of time and the author did not include anything about the aftermath, when many families lost their homes without any compensation and were even pressured to move to Japan, a country they never lived in. I recommend George Takei’s graphic novel about his experience in the camps, They Called Us Enemy, for a more comprehensive view.
I did appreciate the parts of the story that were set on Bainbridge Island. We see a great contrast between the strawberry farm on the lush climate of the island, and the dry, dusty setting of the two camps. Additionally, we see how fortunate Fumio’s family is in having close friends to look after their property. However, a large portion of the book is told from the perspective of Fumio’s dog. Much of this was too cute for me and didn’t add to the story.
Kamada tells a moving story about a family’s experience in the camps but keeps the tone of the book fairly positive, which will appeal to some readers but felt a little “light” for me. For example, she focuses on Fumio’s personal growth and his development of positive relationships in the camp, with only limited mention of physical deprivations, loss of schooling, and other negative impacts of incarceration. I very much appreciated the historical detail of this book, particularly with regards to Japanese culture, and it’s worth a read for its important subject matter. But I think the author could have been more clear about whether this is a book aimed at younger readers or adults — it is quite long and complex for younger readers, but often too simplistically written for adults.
Note: I received an advance review copy of this novel from NetGalley and publisher Black Rose Writing. This book was published January 5, 2023. My full review is at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.
I struggled with the writing style of this novel, which seemed to be aimed at younger readers and which seemed to frequently downplay the serious nature of what occurred. The book is written in a matter of fact tone that was surprisingly unemotional (until near the end). Fumio, who is about 10 or 11, loses his friends, his beloved dog, and his home, but also has many positive experiences, like learning about Japanese drumming, rock gardening, and mechanics and construction work with his father. Kamada could have done a better job showing us the deprivations and the huge impacts on families, both financially and emotionally. I can appreciate that Fumio, as a child, would have adapted quickly to his new surroundings and made the best of it, maybe being unaware of the stresses on his and the other families. But I think his experience could have been written in a way that reflected these stresses, or maybe having both an adult and child narrator would have been more insightful.
Also, while the camps were in operation for 3-4 years, this story is told over a fairly short period of time and the author did not include anything about the aftermath, when many families lost their homes without any compensation and were even pressured to move to Japan, a country they never lived in. I recommend George Takei’s graphic novel about his experience in the camps, They Called Us Enemy, for a more comprehensive view.
I did appreciate the parts of the story that were set on Bainbridge Island. We see a great contrast between the strawberry farm on the lush climate of the island, and the dry, dusty setting of the two camps. Additionally, we see how fortunate Fumio’s family is in having close friends to look after their property. However, a large portion of the book is told from the perspective of Fumio’s dog. Much of this was too cute for me and didn’t add to the story.
Kamada tells a moving story about a family’s experience in the camps but keeps the tone of the book fairly positive, which will appeal to some readers but felt a little “light” for me. For example, she focuses on Fumio’s personal growth and his development of positive relationships in the camp, with only limited mention of physical deprivations, loss of schooling, and other negative impacts of incarceration. I very much appreciated the historical detail of this book, particularly with regards to Japanese culture, and it’s worth a read for its important subject matter. But I think the author could have been more clear about whether this is a book aimed at younger readers or adults — it is quite long and complex for younger readers, but often too simplistically written for adults.
Note: I received an advance review copy of this novel from NetGalley and publisher Black Rose Writing. This book was published January 5, 2023. My full review is at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.
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