Salisbury, Graham. 2005. Eyes of the emperor. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 9780385729710
Plot Summary
This is a book from the historical fiction genre about 16 year old Eddy, a Japanese American, who lies about his age so that he can enlist in the Army. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Eddy and his fellow Japanese American soldiers are given menial jobs and start to see that they are being treated differently because of their ethnicity. Eddy and his friends are then moved to Cat Island in Mississippi where they are forced to partake in a secret mission that trains dogs to sniff out the scent of Japanese people. Eddy and his friends are viciously attacked by some of the dogs and the experiments do not stop until government officials come in and see that the training was failing. Eddy and his fellow soldiers were then finally sent off to Europe to fight in World War II.
Critical Analysis
This is a very moving story filled with historical information that readers of any age can learn from. Eddy and his friends are very relatable characters so it is easy for readers to connect with their emotions and sympathize with the discrimination they face. The characters seem to act their age and although they are soldiers, they still maintain mannerisms and behaviors of teenage boys.
The plot and setting of the book are very colorful and intense. The plot could be summarized as being serious with light airs of humor to break up the somberness. The setting is a strong aspect of the story because it takes place in Hawaii during the Pear Harbor attack. The aftermath of the attack is explicitly detailed from the chaos in the streets to the panic in the citizens of Hawaii.
Racism is an important theme throughout the entire story as readers learn more and more about what Japanese Americans experienced during this time. Eddy and his friends were true American patriots but treated like threats and then later like they were disposable. Though they were treated like dirt, they persevered and never lost their patriotism or will to serve their country.
The authenticity of this story seems very sincere to readers. In the author's note, Graham Salisbury thanks the 26 Cat Island veterans he interviewed to help gather information for his novel. He also took a personal tour of Cat Island and offered a follow up to some of the soldiers in the book, some of which who were later killed in action. The novel also includes a list of resources for further information about the Japanese Americans in World War II.
Review Excerpts
- Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature
- School Library Journal- "The immediacy of the writing allows readers to imagine themselves as one of the boys. A story with huge implications for observers of current events."
Connections
*Read Graham Salisbury's book Under the Blood-Red Sun which also takes place during this time period. ISBN 978-0553494877
*Visit the United States War Dog Association website and learn more about the roles dogs have played in our military. http://www.uswardogs.org
No comments:
Post a Comment