Monday, November 11, 2013

EYES OF THE EMPEROR
by Graham Salilsbury


Salisbury, Graham. 2005. EYES OF THE EMPEROR. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0385908741.

Plot Summary:
Sixteen year old Japanese American and Hawaiian native Eddie Okubo joins the U.S. Army just before Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. Because of their heritage Eddie and his Japanese American enlisted friends find themselves distrusted and discriminated against by many of the officers they have sworn an oath to fight for. The Japanese American soldiers are separated from the other soldiers, sent to a secret island off the Mississippi shores in the Gulf of Mexico to become guinea pigs in a radical and racially driven military experiment. However, the young Japanese American soldiers swallow their pride and do what they believe is the honorable thing for their country, their duty. This historical fiction story is set during one of this nation’s most eventful times in American history as seen through the eyes of a patriot who just so happens to resemble those of the enemy.  

Critical Analysis:
The story takes place on the island of Hawaii and begins a few months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The story moves from the island of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean to Cat Island off the shores of Mississippi in Gulf of Mexico. Each location is described in a first person account so the readers experiences being there themselves.    

The story is of patriotism, courage, and honor showing that one’s heritage has little to do with one’s love of their only known home and country. The novel reveals the racial discrimination and mistrust that Japanese American soldiers had to endure during this time of conflict with the nation of Japan.  

The written language of the Japanese American characters in the story revealed their unique colloquial speech and phasing adding an authentic touch to the story. The story is narrated by the protagonist of the story, Eddie Okubo, who helps the readers experience what he is experiencing.

At the beginning of the book the author provides a dedication of the work to the young Japanese American soldiers who served on Cat Island during WWII. Also noted at the beginning of the novel is the U.S. Army Oath of Enlistment. The author’s note provided readers with information on the factual evidence that the author used to create the historical fiction story. He also provided readers with a short glossary of Hawaiian and Japanese words throughout the book. The author provides link to a webpage dedicated to more information about the Japanese Americans during WWII. Finally, he provides a page dedicated to information about his own background.

Review Excerpt:
The School Library Journal stated, “The novel is based on historical fact, and Salisbury brings events vividly to life as he recounts one humiliation after another foisted on the troops, from the top down to their immediate commanders. The immediacy of the writing allows readers to imagine themselves as one of the boys. A story with huge implications for observers of current events.”

The Booklist Starred Review revealed that, “The cruel training, the vicious prejudice from many officers, the camaraderie among the soldiers, and the mixed-up news from family bring a view of American history seldom told and open up the meanings of homeland and patriotism.”

Connections:
Young readers who find this novel enjoyable and want to read more stories set within WWII will find many to choose from. Two particularly good books would be THE GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages and BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD – AND STEAL – THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin. Both novels are highly acclaimed and received honors and awards for their excellence in the children’s literature.

Personal Response:
I believe that this is an excellent novel for Middle School aged children who are interested in historical fiction and wanting a different perspective of the time during World War II. This is an excellent novel that can help children understand how bigotry and racial discrimination are morally wrong. An exciting adventure tale as experienced from an unlikely protagonist.

References:
Goodreads, (2013). EYES OF THE EMPEROR book cover. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256216.Eyes_of_the_Emperor



Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)