Farewell to Manzanar is a moving memoir that tells the true story of a Japanese American family’s experiences during World War II. Written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and her husband James D. Houston, this book gives readers a firsthand account of life in the Manzanar internment camp. If you’re looking to read this important piece of literature, you can find a Farewell to Manzanar PDF online.
What is Farewell to Manzanar About?
Farewell to Manzanar follows the experiences of Jeanne Wakatsuki and her family before, during, and after their time at the Manzanar internment camp. The story begins in 1941 when Jeanne is just seven years old. Her family is forced to leave their home in Long Beach, California after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Along with over 100,000 other Japanese Americans, they are sent to live in internment camps.
The book describes daily life at Manzanar and how Jeanne’s family tries to maintain some sense of normalcy. We see how the harsh conditions and loss of freedom impact different family members, especially Jeanne’s father. The memoir also explores Jeanne’s struggles with her identity as a Japanese American, both in the camp and after leaving.
Key Themes in the Book
Some of the main themes explored in Farewell to Manzanar include:
- Discrimination and racism against Japanese Americans
- Loss of freedom and civil rights
- Family bonds and relationships under stress
- Cultural identity and assimilation
- Coming of age during a traumatic time
- Resilience in the face of injustice
The book provides important historical context about this dark chapter in American history while also telling a very personal, human story.
Why Read Farewell to Manzanar?
There are many reasons why Farewell to Manzanar continues to be an important and widely-read book:
- It offers a firsthand account of the Japanese American internment experience
- The writing style is accessible and engaging for readers of all ages
- It explores universal themes about family, identity, and injustice
- The book provides historical context about World War II and civil rights
- Jeanne’s story puts a human face on this period of history
Reading Farewell to Manzanar can help build empathy and understanding about this often overlooked part of American history. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting civil liberties for all.
Finding a Farewell to Manzanar PDF
If you’re interested in reading Farewell to Manzanar, you may be able to find a PDF version online. Here are some options for accessing the book digitally:
- Check your local library’s e-book collection
- Look for free PDF versions on educational websites
- Purchase an e-book version from online retailers
Finding a Farewell to Manzanar PDF Details
- Authors: Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston
- Published: 1973
- File size: Approximately 606 Kb
- Number of pages: 120
- Format: PDF
- Language: English
Having a PDF version allows you to read the book on various devices and access it anytime. However, keep in mind that free PDFs may not always be legally distributed. When possible, support the authors by purchasing or borrowing an authorized copy.
Summary of Farewell to Manzanar
To give you a better sense of the book’s content, here’s a brief summary of Farewell to Manzanar:
Part 1: Removal and Life at Manzanar
The book opens with the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Soon after, Jeanne’s father is arrested by the FBI on suspicion of supplying fuel to Japanese submarines. The rest of the family is forced to leave their home in Long Beach and move to Terminal Island.
In February 1942, President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9066, authorizing the removal of anyone with Japanese ancestry from the West Coast. Jeanne and her family are sent to Manzanar, an internment camp in the California desert.
The memoir describes the harsh living conditions at Manzanar, including crowded barracks, lack of privacy, and poor food. We see how camp life disrupts family dynamics and traditions. Jeanne’s father returns from his separate detention angry and bitter. He starts drinking heavily and becomes abusive.
Part 2: Coming of Age in the Camp
As time passes, a semblance of normal life develops in Manzanar. Schools open and recreational activities are organized. Jeanne explores different hobbies and interests, including baton twirling and Catholic catechism classes.
The book also covers major events that impact camp life, such as a violent riot in December 1942. We see divisions emerge in the Japanese American community over issues of loyalty. Jeanne’s older brother joins the U.S. Army, against their father’s wishes.
Part 3: Leaving Manzanar and Life After
In 1945, the Wakatsuki family leaves Manzanar and tries to rebuild their lives. They face continued discrimination and struggle to find housing and jobs. Jeanne describes her difficulties fitting in at school and her attempts to downplay her Japanese heritage.
The book concludes with Jeanne visiting Manzanar as an adult in 1972. This trip helps her process her experiences and understand how the internment shaped her identity.
Major Characters in Farewell to Manzanar
- Jeanne Wakatsuki: The author and main character. The book follows her from ages 7 to 37.
- Ko (Papa) Wakatsuki: Jeanne’s father. A proud fisherman whose spirit is broken by internment.
- Riku (Mama) Wakatsuki: Jeanne’s mother. She holds the family together during their time at Manzanar.
- Woody Wakatsuki: Jeanne’s older brother who joins the U.S. Army.
- Kiyo Wakatsuki: Jeanne’s younger brother.
Historical Context of Farewell to Manzanar
To fully appreciate Farewell to Manzanar, it’s helpful to understand the historical context:
- After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, there was intense suspicion toward Japanese Americans.
- In February 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the removal of over 110,000 Japanese Americans from the West Coast.
- Ten internment camps were established in remote areas of the western United States.
- Manzanar was one of the largest camps, holding over 10,000 people at its peak.
- Internees lost their homes, businesses, and possessions. Many families were separated.
- The camps remained open until 1946, even though the Supreme Court ruled the detention of loyal citizens unconstitutional in 1944.
- It wasn’t until 1988 that the U.S. government formally apologized and provided reparations to surviving internees.
Understanding this history helps readers grasp the full impact of what Jeanne and her family experienced.
Writing Style and Structure
Farewell to Manzanar is written in a straightforward, accessible style that makes it appropriate for both young adult and adult readers. The narrative is mostly chronological, following Jeanne’s experiences from childhood through adulthood.
The book is divided into three main sections:
- The family’s removal to Manzanar
- Life in the internment camp
- Leaving Manzanar and adjusting to life afterwards
Jeanne’s personal reflections are interwoven with historical details and family anecdotes. This blend of personal story and broader context helps readers connect emotionally while also learning about this period of history.
Themes Explored in Farewell to Manzanar
Loss of Freedom and Civil Rights
A central theme is how quickly civil liberties can be stripped away, even in a democracy. The book shows how Japanese Americans lost their homes, livelihoods, and basic freedoms simply because of their ancestry.
Family Bonds Under Pressure
The memoir explores how the stress of internment impacts family relationships. We see both conflict and resilience as the Wakatsukis try to maintain their bonds under difficult circumstances.
Cultural Identity and Assimilation
Jeanne struggles with her identity as a Japanese American throughout the book. At Manzanar, she explores Japanese cultural practices for the first time. After leaving, she tries to downplay her Japanese heritage to fit in.
Coming of Age During Trauma
The book follows Jeanne from childhood to adulthood, showing how her internment experience shapes her development and sense of self.
Racism and Prejudice
Farewell to Manzanar illustrates the widespread anti-Japanese sentiment during World War II and its lasting impact on Japanese Americans.
Resilience and Hope
Despite the injustices they face, many characters in the book demonstrate remarkable resilience and find ways to maintain hope for the future.
Impact and Legacy of Farewell to Manzanar
Since its publication in 1973, Farewell to Manzanar has become an important part of American literature:
- It’s widely taught in schools as part of history and English curricula.
- The book has helped raise awareness about the Japanese American internment experience.
- In 2002, the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program distributed the book to schools and libraries across the state.
- A television movie based on the book was produced in 1976.
- The memoir continues to be relevant today in discussions about civil liberties and racial profiling.
Reading Guide and Discussion Questions
If you’re reading Farewell to Manzanar for a class or book club, here are some questions to consider:
- How does Jeanne’s perspective as a child shape the narrative?
- What impact does internment have on different members of the Wakatsuki family?
- How does Jeanne’s relationship with her father change throughout the book?
- What examples of resilience and resistance do you see among the internees?
- How does Jeanne’s sense of identity evolve over the course of the memoir?
- What parallels do you see between the events in the book and current events?
- Why do you think this book continues to be widely read today?
Conclusion
Farewell to Manzanar offers a powerful, personal account of a shameful chapter in American history. Through Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston’s story, readers gain insight into the Japanese American internment experience and its lasting impact. Whether you’re reading it for a class or personal interest, this memoir provides important historical context while exploring universal themes about family, identity, and injustice.
If you’re interested in reading Farewell to Manzanar, consider downloading the PDF version for easy access on your devices. However you choose to read it, this book offers valuable perspective on an often overlooked part of World War II history.
By reading Farewell to Manzanar, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this important period in American history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.
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