Naomi’s Road by Joy Kogawa

Kogawa, J. (1986). Naomi’s road. Toronto: Oxford University Press.

Summary

Shortly after her mother leaves to go to Japan, Naomi is sent, by train, with her brother Stephen, her Aunt, Obasan, and her Uncle to an internment camp in Slocan, British Columbia. In Slocan, Naomi’s life is somewhat normal, she goes to school, eventually befriends a young white girl named Mitzi and they exchange dolls. Once victory is declared, Naomi and her family then move to a farm in Alberta. Life is a journey for Naomi, but she is slowly learning how to cope in her new circumstances.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Race Relations: Initially Mitzi is hesitant to befriend the Japanese-Canadians, and it is not until Naomi has lived in Slocan for a couple of months does Mitzi come around.

b. Coming of Age: Naomi is forced to grow up in the internment camp without her Mother and moves without her father to Alberta. As she grows Naomi is beginning to understand the “road” that everyone must take in life but each is unique.

c. The displacement of Japanese-Americans in World War II: The book is an example of what Naomi and her family has to give up due to discrimination against those who are ethnically Japanese, even if they consider themselves Canadian.

-Age Recommendation:

I think that this story would be more suitable for older elementary school children. In the introduction the author said she wanted this book to be an introduction to the treatment of Japanese-Canadian’s during World War II. Therefore, some of the aspects of the story might go over the children’s heads if they do not understand the time period.

-Other Information:

The book takes place in British Columbia and Alberta.

Reaction:

I’m not entirely sure if children will understand the significance of this book without some history and understanding of racial tension during World War II. While the author tries to introduce children to the subject with an opening letter in the introduction, the novel only looks at the world through Naomi’s eight year old eyes. Children, then, will not necessarily understand the culture of the time period, examples of discrimination might be overlooked. Furthermore, the story does not flow as well since this book is sort of like an excerpt to the author’s book Obasan; important characters are introduced then forgotten. While this book is interesting it would be better used as a supplemental text.