Farewell to Manzanar is a memoir written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston. It was published in 1973 and describes the experiences of Jeanne Wakatsuki and her family before, during, and after their internment at the Manzanar internment camp during World War II.
Key Facts
- Publication: Farewell to Manzanar was published in 1973.
- Authors: The book was written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, who is also the narrator of the story, and James D. Houston.
- Genre: Farewell to Manzanar is a memoir, which means it is a personal account of the author’s experiences.
- Subject: The book describes the experiences of Jeanne Wakatsuki and her family before, during, and after their internment at the Manzanar internment camp during World War II.
- Adaptation: Farewell to Manzanar was adapted into a made-for-TV movie in 1976, starring Yuki Shimoda, Nobu McCarthy, James Saito, Pat Morita, and Mako.
Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston
Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston was born on September 26, 1934, in Inglewood, California. She was the youngest of four boys and six girls in the Wakatsuki family. For the first seven years of her life, she experienced a normal childhood in Los Angeles, California. However, in 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Jeanne and her family were forced to leave their home and were sent to Manzanar. They spent the next three years in the camp, where they lived in cramped and unsanitary conditions.
James D. Houston
James D. Houston was born in 1933 in Fresno, California. He is a writer and professor. He met Jeanne Wakatsuki while they were both students at San Jose State College. They married in 1957 and had three children together. James D. Houston co-authored Farewell to Manzanar with Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston.
Genre and Subject
Farewell to Manzanar is a memoir, which means it is a personal account of the author’s experiences. The book describes the experiences of Jeanne Wakatsuki and her family before, during, and after their internment at the Manzanar internment camp during World War II. The book provides a firsthand account of the hardships and injustices that Japanese Americans faced during this period.
Adaptation
Farewell to Manzanar was adapted into a made-for-TV movie in 1976. The movie was directed by John Korty and starred Yuki Shimoda, Nobu McCarthy, James Saito, Pat Morita, and Mako. The movie was a critical and commercial success and helped to raise awareness of the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Conclusion
Farewell to Manzanar is a powerful and moving memoir that tells the story of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The book is a valuable historical document and a reminder of the importance of civil liberties.
Citations
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farewell_to_Manzanar
- https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/649361
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Wakatsuki_Houston
FAQs
Who wrote Farewell to Manzanar?
Farewell to Manzanar was written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston.
What is the genre of Farewell to Manzanar?
Farewell to Manzanar is a memoir, which means it is a personal account of the author’s experiences.
What is the subject of Farewell to Manzanar?
Farewell to Manzanar describes the experiences of Jeanne Wakatsuki and her family before, during, and after their internment at the Manzanar internment camp during World War II.
When was Farewell to Manzanar published?
Farewell to Manzanar was published in 1973.
Was Farewell to Manzanar adapted into any other media?
Yes, Farewell to Manzanar was adapted into a made-for-TV movie in 1976.
Who were the main characters in Farewell to Manzanar?
The main characters in Farewell to Manzanar are Jeanne Wakatsuki, her parents, and her siblings.
What were the living conditions like at the Manzanar internment camp?
The living conditions at the Manzanar internment camp were cramped and unsanitary. The internees lived in barracks that were divided into small cubicles. The barracks were not insulated, so they were very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. The internees were also given very little food, and the food was often spoiled.
What was the significance of Farewell to Manzanar?
Farewell to Manzanar is a significant book because it provides a firsthand account of the hardships and injustices that Japanese Americans faced during World War II. The book helped to raise awareness of this dark chapter in American history and to promote understanding and reconciliation.