On August 25, the book discussion group—consisting of Bob, Danny, Joan, and Gary—gathered via Zoom to explore Julie Otsuka’s novel, The Buddha in the Attic. This lyrical work delves into the lives of Japanese “picture brides” who immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century, capturing their collective and individual experiences through a unique narrative style.
The Buddha in the Attic is crafted in a collective first-person voice, which aims to highlight the shared experiences and struggles of these women. The novel begins with their hopeful journey across the ocean, arriving in America to meet husbands seen only in photographs. Upon arrival, these women confront the harsh realities of new lives, facing unmet expectations and enduring the trials of work, racism, and exploitation.
Despite the novel’s significant subject matter and its unique narrative approach, the group’s consensus was less than favorable. Bob expressed a strong opinion against the book, feeling it fell short in depicting the picture brides’ experiences and would not recommend it. Gary, Joan, and Danny also shared reservations, noting the absence of a traditional plot and main character, which left the group disengaged.
However, the discussion highlighted some valuable insights. The group appreciated learning about the diverse backgrounds of the picture brides, which contradicted the initial assumption of a homogeneous group. Additionally, Otsuka’s use of an “incantatory” style—intended to evoke a hypnotic or dreamlike quality— was noted as an interesting stylistic choice.
The novel also explores the women’s struggles with adapting to American society, raising children, and maintaining cultural identity. In its final sections, it addresses the impact of World War II on the Japanese American community, including the forced relocation to internment camps.
Looking ahead, the group is preparing to delve into *Siddhartha* by Hermann Hesse. The next meeting is scheduled for September 15th, where this classic work will be discussed.