It feels like I should be thanking Half Price Books for today's selection, but with the world in the state that it is in, I do not get to make it out to my favorite book store much. So this may actually be a Goodreads find, but honestly, I cannot remember. Either way, I am talking about Fifty Words for Rain Asha Lemmie, a historical fiction novel set mostly in mid-20th century Japan. No doubt it was the intriguing premise and setting that drew me in.
The Situation: Though she is only eight, Noriko knows that she does not belong, and that she is not wanted. That point has been made twice now, the first time when her mother dropped her off at the front gates of her grandmother's house. Her grandparents then proceeded to lock her away in the attic, seemingly in an effort to forget she exists. She does not remember much about her mother, but they say she looks like her. Unfortunately, she has the darker skin of her American father. If her complexion was closer to her mother's, they could all at least attempt to pretend, but the truth is written plainly on her skin: Noriko is the result of a disgraceful affair between a Japanese woman and a black American soldier. Despite how she is treated, Noriko insists on behaving, just as her mother commanded her to do before she left. It is not until the half-brother she never knew about returns home and begins to stand up for her that she even believes she is anything worth defending.
The Problem: Akira may be in a position to make demands for his little half-sister, but his grandmother is less than pleased about it. Noriko adores Akira, with the adoration bordering on worship, and cannot be near him enough. Her older brother is not exactly affectionate, or patient, or even kind, but he does care for Noriko and does his best to protect her. Eventually, the grandmother decides this has gone on long enough, and she makes a decision that alters the course of everything. For the next few years of her life, Noriko will learn harsh realities, while also being able to slowly uncover the truth about her parents, and her own place in her notable family's history. She will meet people who adore and love her - though she will find it difficult to accept either their adoration or their love - and of course she will meet those who despise her, or simply wish to use her for their own aims. Noriko wants more than anything to be able to trust and depend on someone, but as the years go on, it becomes clear that person does not exist, maybe not even within herself.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel that begins in 1948 when Noriko is only eight years old. Set mostly Japan, Noriko is a half Japanese, half African-American girl who is not welcome in her own home. To her grandmother, Noriko is proof of the disgraceful actions of her mother, actions that have brought shame on a once remarkable family. Since her grandmother insists on holding onto tradition and honor, she looks at Noriko's half-brother, Akira, as the savior of the family and the future of the legacy, though he is less than interested. He prefers to focus on music, and being the best at everything he does. Noriko simply wants to be near her brother, and to no longer fear for her safety. But at nearly every point in her life, just as things seem to be settling down, tragedy will strike, or a ghost of the past will come back to haunt her. Shame, guilt, honor, fear, hate - all of these play a heavy role in this story, and help influence the decisions of nearly every character.
My Verdict: This is a fascinating premise and with fully realized and complicated characters. Noriko is not simply a naive young girl growing up in a world that does not understand her. Through the years, the reader sees her grow and change, while still struggling with having been abandoned at such a young age. And the adventures are never-ending. Noriko never stays in one place or situation for very long, so the narrative is rarely boring. I do take issue with some of the plot points as they cause the story to be somewhat of a mess. Some of the twists and turns do not make much sense, and throughout the book I felt somewhat off-balance and confused. This could be because this is how Noriko was also feeling, but it takes away from the overall readability and enjoyment of the book. But again, the characters and settings are incredibly strong and well thought out.
Favorite Moment: Though it is an incredibly sad part of the book, there is a point about a quarter into the novel when I liked Noriko the best. It is a moment when she both gives up, and is also resolved to decide her own fate. For possibly the first time, she makes up her own mind and refuses to be swayed by anyone else.
Favorite Character: I do not think that I would like Akira if I knew him in real life. However, I like him for Noriko. She needed someone who would push her and demand more of her, while also being willing to stand up for her when she could not do it herself.
Recommended Reading: I recommend The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. It is a very different book, but it also deals with identity, fear, and navigating a world where you feel you do not belong.
No comments:
Post a Comment