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megankrone's review against another edition
challenging
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
hmorawska's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Julie Otsuka's The Buddha in the Attic is a poignant and beautifully crafted novel that delves into the lives of Japanese "picture brides" in early 20th-century America. Otsuka employs a unique collective first-person narrative, blending the voices of many women to create a chorus of shared experiences. This approach emphasizes their communal struggles and resilience, making their stories both intimate and universal.
The novel explores themes of displacement, cultural assimilation, and the search for identity, capturing the women's journey from hopeful brides to hardworking immigrants facing racism and sexism. Otsuka’s lyrical prose and evocative imagery bring these experiences to life, providing a powerful, poetic quality to the narrative.
Meticulously researched, the historical context enhances the story, portraying significant events like the anti-Japanese sentiment and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Otsuka sheds light on this often-overlooked part of American history, giving voice to those who were historically silenced.
The Buddha in the Attic is a moving exploration of the immigrant experience, a testament to the strength and resilience of these women. Otsuka’s innovative style and powerful storytelling make this a compelling and unforgettable read.
beckca03's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this, but wish I had read it vs. listening to the audio version. I'm sure the prose is amazing, however the narrator proved more naive than insightful.
hli's review against another edition
4.0
As simple as the other one I read. It was fascinating to read all the different perspectives in such a short read. Thought provoking read.
skyturtles's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racism, and Trafficking
Moderate: Rape
Minor: War
missmoth's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual assault, Child death, Mental illness, and Death
Minor: Xenophobia, War, Rape, Racism, Hate crime, and Forced institutionalization
rainyfellaa's review against another edition
1.0
I'm gonna start my opinion of this book with the positive the idea behind this book is awesome I'm not gonna lie all the problems and difficulties of the people on this book is great represent and some chapters are splendid a example of it is the last chapter "A disappearance" this one actually wasn't repetitive and it was well implemented and in my opinion the whole writing on this book should be like this part.
However the negative stuff really hit this book the writing most of the time is bothering and irritating and not just the writing some descriptions are repeated a lot of times the emotions of the characters are not deep I mean I was more surprised for the emotions of the citizens after the Japanese people leave how they reacted what they feel and I think the author should have show a little bit deeply the emotions of the Japanese people because she focus so much in the details in showing all the problems that she seems to forget the emotions
Well This books was enjoyable for me was lacking a lot of thing and I don't it was worth it reading it but it wasn't entirely bad
However the negative stuff really hit this book the writing most of the time is bothering and irritating and not just the writing some descriptions are repeated a lot of times the emotions of the characters are not deep I mean I was more surprised for the emotions of the citizens after the Japanese people leave how they reacted what they feel and I think the author should have show a little bit deeply the emotions of the Japanese people because she focus so much in the details in showing all the problems that she seems to forget the emotions
Well This books was enjoyable for me was lacking a lot of thing and I don't it was worth it reading it but it wasn't entirely bad
lottie1803's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jasonlesher's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
alivaster's review against another edition
3.0
I felt like the book started off strong, but ultimately the first person plural POV got a little tiring for me. However, the writing was still very powerful and the story was skillfully written. It's a heavy book, as one might expect, but it's still an important read that can really open your eyes to what it was like for so many.
POV and Tense: First person plural POV in past tense.
POV and Tense: First person plural POV in past tense.