Farewell to Manzanar PDF is a memoir written by James D. Houston and Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and published in 1973 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It tells the story of Japanese Americans during World War II who were placed in internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
The book has been critically acclaimed, described as “profoundly touching” and a must-read by The New York Times. It has sold more than two million copies to date and is available in both paperback and digital formats.
Themes explored in the book include racism, survival, loyalty, identity, self-discovery, resilience, and patriotism. These themes are highlighted in the story of Jeanne Wakatsuki, who was seven years old when she and her family were relocated to the Manzanar war relocation center in California. Through her experiences, readers get a glimpse into life during this time period and learn how this experience shaped Wakatsuki and her entire family’s lives.
Table of Contents
Farewell to Manzanar Summary
Farewell to Manzanar is a memoir written by James D. Houston and Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston that recounts their family’s unjust internment during World War II. The book paints a vivid picture of their Japanese-American identity, the effects of racism on their lives, and the struggles of the internment camp experience.
The story follows the Wakatsuki family as they are forced to leave their home in California and relocate to Manzanar, one of the Japanese-American Internment camps located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Led by their father Ko, a fisherman and boat builder, the family lives in cramped quarters and is subjected to constant surveillance, lack of privacy, and oppressive regulations. Despite the difficult living conditions, Jeanne and her family try to make the best of their situation by forming friendships with fellow internees and creating a makeshift community.
At Manzanar, Jeanne begins to learn about her Japanese heritage through her grandmother Obasan’s stories, and gradually comes to understand the racism that has surrounded their family for generations. With her newfound knowledge, she begins to embrace her identity as a Japanese-American. However, her understanding is put to the test when Ko suddenly leaves Manzanar in an attempt to reclaim his lost livelihood.
Details of Farewell to Manzanar Book
| Book | Farewell to Manzanar |
| Author | Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, James D. Houston |
| Original language | English |
| Originally published | 1997 |
| Category | Biography |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster |
| Total Pages | 177 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
Multiple Languages Editions of Farewell to Manzanar Book
Farewell to Manzanar book has been translated into multiple languages for readers all over the world to understand and relate to. The book is available in French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.
| Book Editions | Check Now |
|---|---|
| English | Check Price |
About the Author
James D. Houston and Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston are the authors of Farewell to Manzanar, a book that tells the story of a Japanese-American family’s struggle to survive World War II and the internment camps they were forced into.
James D. Houston was born in 1926 in California and graduated from Stanford University before beginning his career as an author and screenwriter. His most well-known work is undoubtedly Farewell to Manzanar. In addition to being a novelist, he also wrote short stories and plays, along with writing and directing feature films. He passed away in 2009 due to complications from heart failure.
Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston was born in 1934 and grew up in the Japanese community of Ocean Park, California. Her memoir of the internment camp experience was co-authored with her husband, James D. Houston, and published in 1973. As a child, she was forced to spend seven years at Manzanar Concentration Camp which inspired the book Farewell to Manzanar.
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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
What grade level is Farewell to Manzanar?
Farewell to Manzanar is most appropriate for grades 9-12.
What is the lesson of Farewell to Manzanar?
The lesson of Farewell to Manzanar is that strength, dignity, and courage can overcome any obstacle.
How many pages is Farewell to Manzanar?
Farewell to Manzanar is a 256-page novel.
What is the symbolism in Farewell to Manzanar?
Symbols in Farewell to Manzanar include the beacon of light, the golden dragonfly, and the idea of a place of refuge.
What is the conclusion of Farewell to Manzanar?
The conclusion of Farewell to Manzanar is that Jeanne decides to leave her past behind and look toward the future.
