by Julie Otsuka
Adult
There is a dark truth about writers. When we read good stuff, we get itchy fingers. Yep, we are word thieves, looting others work for nuggets of amazingness. My fingers weren't just itching by the time I got done with The Buddha in the Attic, they were all aflame.
Why, pray tell? Otsuka pulls off what few have pulled off well - the perfect first person plural POV story. Can you believe it? An entire story told in first person plural, as in - "On the boat, we were mostly virgins." Or - "That night our husbands took us quickly. They took us calmly."
At this point, I should probably sum up the plot - this book is about mail order brides from Japan in early 20th century U.S. - lest you get the impression this is the eastern version of Fifty Shades of Grey. It's not. It's that rare literary creature - high concept that is literary. Otsuka proves they are not mutually exclusive terms.
Otsuka also seems to know instinctively exactly where the plural first person POV can begin to wear and breaks it up with short, individualized experiences - "He's healthy, he doesn't drink, he doesn't gamble, that's all I needed to know." They give the story traction since much of it works like a Greek chorus chanting en masse. The effect is to make the experiences of the thousands of mail order brides represented in this story a conglomeration of infinite, unique facets that blend into one voice retelling history.
So, if you are looking for a meaty read, or your fingers are itching for a good steal, get The Buddha in the Attic. It won't disappoint.
For other great Fall harvests, skip over to Barrie Summy's website. The gourd of good reading is overflowing this season!
It's so much harder when they're the favorite children!
But Frog will find the home wherein he belongs. He's just being picky.
I told him, he should be happy that at least I want to read him. He raised a bushy eyebrow and sighed.
I have a bastard child that will only ever see the light of day if my collection is published. He/She has garnered eight rejection letters...poor thing. It's not his/her fault he's/she's too long...
I suspect it's not Frog's fault either. (Don't let him know it's mine).
Frog has bushy eyebrows? I have to meet him.
Next time he's rejected, I'm going to pluck them. I think I need to start a 'Save Frog's Eyebrows Campaign'.
The poor darling! Maybe he needs to be involved in more hard-core nudity?
I'm wondering if there's a part for him in 'Relentless Sodomy' when it goes on tour. ;)
Perhaps if the frog was somehow involved with Aaron's salamanders things would work out better for him (hmm...combined with Natalie's hard core nudity...)
He's willing to try anything. ;)
the character sounds interesting (like any of your characters are un-interesting). I think the next editor you send him to should snatch him up!
have you thought about making the eyebrows larger instead of plucking them? a giant eyebrowed creature.... i would sign up for it :^)
Ah... I know the feeling. (Not about the eyebrows, about a favourite piece getting rejected over and over!)
Fingers crossed for Frog. I do like a morbid sense of humour.
Poor Frog! He just hasn't found the right home yet. Good luck with Duotrope!
Frog will be in all of our thoughts over the next few days. If he needs a couch to crash on or a bowl of stew in the meantime, let me know. Poor little guy.
Jamie, I think they should too. ;)
Stephanie, Frog just wagged his finger. He's not very happy with you.
Danielle, me too.
KC, Jeremy, I sent him off with his tail between his legs.
Don't forget - if you need a second opinion, I'd never say know to putting the little guy up for night. Maybe that's just what he needs, a night out with the boys...
Thanks, BT. If (or rather when he comes back again), I should post him to our little group.