IN LIGHT OF DECEMBER

A debut novel follows a Japanese American family dealing with the events of World War II.

As he approaches his 18th birthday, innocent and aimless Yoshi Yamaguchi’s largest concerns are his performance on the baseball team and whether his crush will finally notice him. After graduation, he begins working in the family grocery store with his father, a quiet, stoic man with strong political convictions. When Yoshi voices his desire to join the Army (the only military branch open to Japanese citizens), his father flatly rejects the idea. He acquiesces only after America enters World War II, when Yoshi’s mother points out the potential merits of enlisting versus being drafted. But Yoshi’s application is denied on racial grounds. Soon, he and his family are forced to sell their possessions, leave their home, and travel to the Manzanar internment camp (originally known as the Owens Valley Relocation Center). With little information about their future and mindful of the horrors of European concentration camps, the Yamaguchis experience not only the sadness of relocation, but also fears for their lives. Inside the camp, the Yamaguchis struggle to get medical attention for their ailing grandmother. With the little autonomy granted him, Yoshi must make a decision that could affect the rest of his life. The historical aspects of the narrative are well researched, such as the contentious politics of the Japanese American Citizens League. For instance, membership in the JACL was only open to American citizens, excluding many issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants), such as Yoshi’s mother and grandmother. This angers people like Yoshi’s father, who was finally granted citizenship “almost two decades” after his military service in World War I. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the dynamic between the various Yamaguchi family members. Williams’ writing is generally straightforward and unembellished, but the tale’s incidents often evoke strong emotions. Yoshi’s characterization as a naïve, somewhat awkward young man allows readers to see historic events through the lens of an accessible narrator. Included in the book are several poignant images by debut illustrator McInvale.

A heartfelt read that illuminates an important chapter of American history.