29 pages • 58 minutes read
When the Emperor Was Divine
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1940s
2002
Adult
12-18 years
810L
Super Short Summary
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka follows a Japanese-American family’s forced relocation to an internment camp during World War II. The narrative details their abrupt departure, life in the harsh Nevada desert camp, and their struggle to reintegrate into their community post-war, while dealing with discrimination and the father's altered state after enduring trauma in detention. The book includes instances of animal harm, and discussion of trauma and depression.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
30,352 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Julie Otsuka's When the Emperor Was Divine is praised for its poetic prose, emotional depth, and historical significance, illuminating the Japanese-American internment experience. Critics highlight its sparse, evocative style, though some find the detachment and brevity limiting character connection. Overall, it’s deemed a poignant, essential read.
Who Should Read When the Emperor Was Divine?
Readers who appreciate historical fiction with a focus on personal narratives and cultural displacement will enjoy When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson will find this poignant tale of a Japanese-American family's internment equally compelling.
30,352 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Girl
The Girl
A member of the family unit who is sensitive to her appearance and the perception of others, often comparing herself to other women and observing the reactions of those around her.
The Boy
The Boy
A young member of the family who retains a sense of hope and imagination, cherishing memories of his father and finding solace in activities like baseball and reading about outlaws.
The Father
The Father
Although absent for much of the story, he is remembered fondly by his son as a kind and gentle man, with his letters providing a connection to the family amid their challenges.
160
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1940s
2002
Adult
12-18 years
810L
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