61 pages 2 hours read

Julie Otsuka

The Buddha in the Attic

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka follows the journey of young Japanese women who emigrate to America in the early 20th century as picture brides, only to face hard labor, cultural estrangement, and suspicion following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, ultimately leading to their internment. The novel addresses themes of immigration, cultural displacement, and racism.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Julie Otsuka's The Buddha in the Attic has been well-received for its poetic and haunting narrative style, providing a poignant portrayal of Japanese "picture brides." Critics praise its unique collective voice and emotional depth. However, some find its lack of individual character development limiting. Overall, it's deemed a powerful, if somewhat stylistically constrained, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Buddha in the Attic?

Readers who appreciate deeply human and evocative narratives, such as The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka, will find The Buddha in the Attic particularly resonant. This novel appeals to those interested in themes of immigration, identity, and the collective experiences of Japanese picture brides in early 20th-century America.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

American Literature

Topics

Immigration / Refugee

Class

History: U.S.

Period

WWII / World War II

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Identity: Race

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice