Five Years on a Rock

Rating:
Summary: The Voice of Issei Experience?
Review: Compromising the second part of Murayama's proposed tetralogy, this intimate portrayal of Sawa Oyama's journey from Hiroshima, Japan, to a fictionalized plantation in Hawai'i is poignant and unique. Murayama has the uncanny ability to evoke various aspects of the issei (first-generation) experience: the laborious demands made on the plantation females and males, the hegemonic power structure of the white plantation owners and the dedication of the issei to their children (no matter what the cost).

Why do I really enjoy this novel? Well, as a fifth generation Japanese-American, I cannot help but have an interest in the way my ancestors made sacrifices on my behalf. There are few novels out there that explore the themes of issei dislocation, disappointment (many thought they could return to Japan after only a few years), and gradual acceptance and appreciation for Hawai'i. This being said, I feel that Murayama does a good job of incorporating these themes, keeping the hopes and dreams of his ancestors lovingly preserved in the pages of his work. Mahalo.

Rating:
Summary: The Voice of Issei Experience?
Review: Compromising the second part of Murayama's proposed tetralogy, this intimate portrayal of Sawa Oyama's journey from Hiroshima, Japan, to a fictionalized plantation in Hawai'i is poignant and unique. Murayama has the uncanny ability to evoke various aspects of the issei (first-generation) experience: the laborious demands made on the plantation females and males, the hegemonic power structure of the white plantation owners and the dedication of the issei to their children (no matter what the cost).

Why do I really enjoy this novel? Well, as a fifth generation Japanese-American, I cannot help but have an interest in the way my ancestors made sacrifices on my behalf. There are few novels out there that explore the themes of issei dislocation, disappointment (many thought they could return to Japan after only a few years), and gradual acceptance and appreciation for Hawai'i. This being said, I feel that Murayama does a good job of incorporating these themes, keeping the hopes and dreams of his ancestors lovingly preserved in the pages of his work. Mahalo.