Obasan by Joy Kogawa follows Naomi, a Japanese-Canadian woman, as she recalls her family's traumatic experiences during World War II and Japanese internment in Canada while grieving her uncle's death. Naomi's memories reveal the family's struggles, racism they faced, and her mother's mysterious disappearance, ultimately uncovering the devastating impact of wartime events on her loved ones. This novel includes sensitive topics related to internment, racism, and childhood abuse.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.0

8,359 ratings

61%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Joy Kogawa's Obasan has been widely praised for its poignant exploration of Japanese-Canadian internment during World War II. Critics commend its lyrical prose and profound emotional depth. However, some find the non-linear narrative challenging to follow. Overall, Obasan is recognized as a powerful, important work in Canadian literature.

Who Should Read Obasan?

Readers who appreciate powerful narratives about cultural identity, historical injustices, and resilience will enjoy Obasan by Joy Kogawa. Fans of When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka and The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan will find the exploration of Japanese-Canadian internment during WWII particularly poignant and engaging.

4.0

8,359 ratings

61%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Book Details

Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

Historical Fiction

•

Education

•

Japanese Literature

Period