Reviews

When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

racheltanza's review

4.0

A poetic and concise novel that almost reads like a series of flash fiction pieces. Japanese internment in the US is not talked about enough.

lucie_thv's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

3.75

nathanarciaga's review against another edition

dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

samiigiselle's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

jennc's review against another edition

4.0

This small book really packed a punch. While the US was busy fighting the nazis in Europe we were also busy at home, putting our own people into trains and into camps of our own. This was raw and emotional.
Note: This does have animal cruelty in it which I hate, but it's a fitting part of the story.

leslie_overbookedsocialworker's review against another edition

hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Confinement, Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Racism

sinclairkatelynn's review against another edition

DNF at 8% when she kills the dog. I get the reasoning but good lord

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, and Xenophobia

mswrambel's review against another edition

emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mimi_t22's review against another edition

challenging dark informative reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

gabrieyell's review against another edition

dark reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75