Reviewed by A. Klink, September 2021
Naomi Nakane has just learned about her uncle’s death. She travels home to check on her grandmother; the woman who practically raised her. While at her aunt’s cottage she finds memories in the attic, which cause her to reminisce about the full life she had lived with Obasan: the life as a Japanese Canadian during World War II. The Nakane family went through many hardships during this time, and Kogawa details them all.
Kogawa illustrates a heart wrenching novel as she tells about the war through Naomi’s eyes. Secrets are revealed, a family mystery is solved, and Naomi finds truth as the pages turn. This book is a great read, and is guaranteed to keep the reader on their toes as they journey through the novel.