The Buddha in the Attic

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Misbah I think it represented a sort of silent rebellion. A way of saying that we belonged here as much as you did. You can rip us away from the homes we bui…moreI think it represented a sort of silent rebellion. A way of saying that we belonged here as much as you did. You can rip us away from the homes we built and lands sown with our blood and tears...but our essence will remain, however hidden. (less)

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what is the significance of the Buddha?

Cavak The Buddha in the attic symbolizes an abandonment of a culture, of a heritage, by both the Japanese immigrants and the people they lived with in Ameri…moreThe Buddha in the attic symbolizes an abandonment of a culture, of a heritage, by both the Japanese immigrants and the people they lived with in America.

Once they crossed the ocean, nearly every aspect of the Japanese immigrants' old lives and ancestry was discarded. Language, customs, values, religion. Either they conformed to American culture or they didn't, either due to suicide, illness, or public disgrace.

Once North America declares open war in WWII, the title's meaning becomes physical and literal. Japanese Americans were erased through sudden abductions or silent obedience to reporting to camps. They were still the enemy, even if they were born there. Their property was confiscated. Even those who cared soon faced other disasters over their missing Japanese American friends.

For me, the title can be cynically phrased as "Was it worth it?"(less)

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Can this book be read as a stand alone? Or should her other works be read first?

Rachel It's a stand alone book. You can read her works in her any order. …moreIt's a stand alone book. You can read her works in her any order. (less)

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is the book fiction or nonfiction?

cc A little bit of both. It's based on true stories and, as far as I know, none of it was falsified, but it is told more in vignettes than informative fo…moreA little bit of both. It's based on true stories and, as far as I know, none of it was falsified, but it is told more in vignettes than informative formatting.(less)

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is the book fiction or nonfiction?

cc A little bit of both. It's based on true stories and, as far as I know, none of it was falsified, but it is told more in vignettes than informative fo…moreA little bit of both. It's based on true stories and, as far as I know, none of it was falsified, but it is told more in vignettes than informative formatting.(less)

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