BOOK BRIEF

How to Be an American Housewife

Margaret Dilloway
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How to Be an American Housewife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010

Book Brief

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Margaret Dilloway

How to Be an American Housewife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010
Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Japanese Literature

Modern Classic Fiction
Period
Asian Literature
Setting

Japan And California • 1950s-2000s

Topic
World History
Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway explores the life of a Japanese woman adapting to American culture post-World War II. The narrative intertwines her experiences with her daughter's journey of self-discovery, as they both navigate identity, family, and cultural expectations across two generations.

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

3.9

14,018 ratings

58%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway offers a heartfelt exploration of cultural identity and family dynamics. Readers praise its emotional depth and engaging storytelling, though some find the pacing uneven. The rich depiction of Japanese-American experiences stands out, despite moments where character development feels incomplete. Overall, it’s an evocative, insightful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How to Be an American Housewife?

Readers who enjoy How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway will appreciate character-driven stories exploring cross-cultural themes and family dynamics. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Pachinko by Min Jin Lee may find this novel particularly engaging.

3.9

14,018 ratings

58%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

277

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Japanese Literature

Modern Classic Fiction
Period
Asian Literature
Setting

Japan And California • 1950s-2000s

Topic
World History
Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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