A review by relf
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

challenging dark informative 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? No

4.0

This short novel tells the story of an unnamed Japanese-American family from California being sent to internment camps during World War II. The story is told simply, almost starkly, with an eye for detail but without sentimentality, from the points of view of the family members. A powerful story that enunciates, without recrimination, the utter injustice done to Japanese-Americans and the struggle they faced even when they returned from the camps. Very moving. I listened to the audiobook, which is beautifully narrated.
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