Farewell to Manzanar is a memoir written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston, first published in 1973. The book recounts the experiences of Jeanne Wakatsuki and her family before, during, and after their relocation to the Manzanar internment camp during World War II.
Key Facts
- Publication Date: Farewell to Manzanar was originally published in 1973.
- Setting: The events described in the book take place during World War II, specifically after the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.
- Internment Camp: The Wakatsuki family, along with thousands of other Japanese Americans, were relocated to the Manzanar internment camp, which was located in the desert 225 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
- Family Experiences: The book explores the challenges and hardships faced by the Wakatsuki family during their internment, including cramped living conditions, poorly prepared food, and the loss of their freedom.
- Jeanne Wakatsuki: Jeanne, the book’s narrator, was a Nisei, a second-generation Japanese American. She was seven years old when her family was forced to move to the internment camp.
- Father’s Arrest: Jeanne’s father, Ko Wakatsuki, was arrested by the FBI following the Pearl Harbor attack. He was accused of disloyalty and espionage and was detained in various internment camps.
- Camp Life: The book provides insights into the daily life of the Japanese Americans at Manzanar, including the challenges they faced, the community they built, and the impact of the internment on their identities.
- After the War: The book also explores the family’s experiences after the war, including their return to society and the difficulties they faced in rebuilding their lives.
Historical Context
The events described in Farewell to Manzanar take place during World War II, specifically after the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Following the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the Secretary of War and the armed forces to remove people of Japanese ancestry away from designed military areas into detention camps.
Internment Camp Experience
The Wakatsuki family, along with thousands of other Japanese Americans, were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in internment camps. The book provides a detailed account of the family’s experiences at the Manzanar camp, located in the desert 225 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
The book explores the challenges and hardships faced by the Wakatsuki family during their internment, including cramped living conditions, poorly prepared food, and the loss of their freedom. It also delves into the emotional and psychological toll that the internment had on the family members.
Life After the War
Farewell to Manzanar also explores the family’s experiences after the war, including their return to society and the difficulties they faced in rebuilding their lives. The book highlights the ongoing impact of the internment experience on the family and the broader Japanese American community.
Significance of the Book
Farewell to Manzanar is considered a significant work in American literature, providing a firsthand account of the Japanese American experience during World War II. The book has been widely read and studied, contributing to a greater understanding of the history of Japanese American internment and its lasting effects.
Sources
- https://encyclopedia.densho.org/Farewell_to_Manzanar_(book)/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farewell_to_Manzanar
- https://cmc.marmot.org/Record/.b46747473
FAQs
What is Farewell to Manzanar about?
Farewell to Manzanar is a memoir that recounts the experiences of Jeanne Wakatsuki and her family before, during, and after their relocation to the Manzanar internment camp during World War II.
When was Farewell to Manzanar published?
Farewell to Manzanar was first published in 1973.
Who wrote Farewell to Manzanar?
Farewell to Manzanar was written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston.
What happened to the Wakatsuki family during World War II?
The Wakatsuki family, along with thousands of other Japanese Americans, were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in internment camps. They were sent to the Manzanar camp, located in the desert 225 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
What was life like for the Wakatsuki family at Manzanar?
Life at Manzanar was challenging and difficult for the Wakatsuki family. They lived in cramped barracks, ate poorly prepared food, and lost their freedom. They also faced emotional and psychological distress due to the internment.
What happened to the Wakatsuki family after the war?
After the war, the Wakatsuki family returned to society and faced difficulties in rebuilding their lives. They struggled to find housing and employment, and they continued to experience discrimination and prejudice.
Why is Farewell to Manzanar significant?
Farewell to Manzanar is a significant work in American literature because it provides a firsthand account of the Japanese American experience during World War II. It has contributed to a greater understanding of the history of Japanese American internment and its lasting effects.
Where can I find more information about Farewell to Manzanar?
You can find more information about Farewell to Manzanar at the Densho Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, and other online resources.