51 pages • 1 hour read
Displacement
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Book Brief
283
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Japanese Internment Camps • 1940s
2020
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
In Kiku Hughes's graphic novel Displacement, a young Japanese American woman named Kiku mysteriously travels through time, experiencing the harsh realities of Japanese incarceration camps during World War Two. The narrative intertwines her family's past, historical facts, and fictional elements to explore themes of generational trauma, immigrant identity, and cultural heritage loss. It addresses issues of racial discrimination, unjust incarceration, physical cruelty, and generational trauma.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
10,706 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In Displacement, Kiku Hughes crafts a poignant and visually compelling graphic novel exploring Japanese-American internment through the lens of personal and historical reflection. Critics praise its evocative art and educational narrative. However, some note that character development could be deeper. Overall, it's a heartfelt and enlightening read.
Who Should Read Displacement?
A reader who would enjoy Displacement by Kiku Hughes is likely interested in historical fiction infused with personal and emotional narratives. Fans of They Called Us Enemy by George Takei or Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi would appreciate its poignant exploration of identity and family history through engaging, autobiographical storytelling.
10,706 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kiku’s Mother
Kiku’s Mother
A full-Japanese Sansei who shares transformative time travel experiences with Kiku, ultimately working through her generational trauma to find empowerment.
Ernestina Teranishi
Ernestina Teranishi
Kiku’s Nisei grandmother, a silent yet significant figure representing cultural heritage and the effects of historical trauma, with a background in music.
Aiko Mifune
Aiko Mifune
A vocal and rebellious Nisei woman Kiku meets in the camp, who actively protests against the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during their incarceration.
May Ide
May Ide
A courageous and outspoken girl in the camp school who becomes friends with Kiku, their relationship touching on themes of protest and representation.
George Kimura
George Kimura
A character who engages in discussions about the complexities of loyalty and enlistment, reflecting the difficult choices faced by Japanese Americans.
Seiji Sato
Seiji Sato
Part of Kiku’s friend group in the camp, representing another perspective in the debates about loyalty and identity during their time.
283
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Japanese Internment Camps • 1940s
2020
YA
14-18 years
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