52 pages 1 hour read

Monica Sone

Nisei Daughter

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1979

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Nisei Daughter recounts Monica Sone's childhood in Seattle's Japanese American community and her experience in internment camps during World War II. Sone navigates between two cultures, facing prejudice and family challenges, including her brother's death and tuberculosis. Eventually, she leaves the camp and finds personal success and a sense of identity. Includes themes of racial discrimination and internment.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Monica Sone's Nisei Daughter offers a poignant memoir that documents the Japanese American experience during World War II. Critics praise its candid portrayal of cultural identity and resilience. However, some note that its narrative pace occasionally lags. Overall, the book is lauded for its historical and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Nisei Daughter?

Fans of Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka will appreciate Nisei Daughter by Monica Sone. This memoir appeals to readers interested in Japanese-American history, personal narratives of resilience, and the cultural landscape of mid-20th century America.

RecommendedReading Age

13-18years

Book Details

Genre

Asian Literature

Japanese Literature

Biography

Topics

History: Asian

Military / War

History: World

Period

WWII / World War II