Karen Tei Yamashita explores the reexamination of Japanese American incarceration during World War II.
New Novel Explores Japanese American Incarceration through Innovative Storytelling
Novelist Karen Tei Yamashita has tackled the complex legacy of the U.S. government’s incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II in her latest book, “Questions 27 & 28.” Initially uncertain about the need for more narratives surrounding this historical injustice, Yamashita revisited the topic after a pivotal conversation with her late friend, Lane Ryo Hirabayashi, a distinguished UCLA professor. Hirabayashi emphasized the extensive material contained within the Japanese Evacuation Resettlement Study (JERS) archive at the University of California, Berkeley, which consists of 355 boxes of invaluable resources. This exchange motivated Yamashita to delve deeper into the archive, where she discovered untold stories that ultimately inspired her new work.
Like her critically acclaimed 2010 novel “I Hotel,” “Questions 27 & 28” presents an expansive cast of characters and blurs the lines between genres. The book artfully blends fiction and nonfiction, integrating elements of oral history, varied typography, and poetic verse. It centers on the experience of Japanese Americans who were subjected to a loyalty questionnaire during their incarceration, which posed grave questions about allegiance and military service to the United States.
During a recent telephone conversation from her home in Santa Cruz, Yamashita elaborated on her creative process. She expressed that while researching for her project on the JERS archives, she encountered insights that led her to reevaluate her understanding of both her community’s history and her own familial background. Yamashita, who has family ties to the internment experience—her mother and father’s families were both detained—seeks to explore the generational impact of these events.
In “Questions 27 & 28,” the narrative is influenced by her thorough research and commitment to authenticity. Yamashita acknowledged the challenges of weaving various styles into the book, stating that it required a meticulous approach to ensure each chapter resonated with the story being told. She opted against imposing a singular genre, allowing the material to guide the narrative form.
This innovative approach to storytelling sheds light on the historical and emotional ramifications of the Japanese American incarceration, revealing the complexities of identity, trauma, and resilience. “Questions 27 & 28” invites readers to reflect on a dark chapter in American history while underscoring the enduring strength of the Japanese American community. With this new work, Yamashita continues her legacy as a significant voice in contemporary literature, contributing vital narratives that resonate with themes of justice and human experience.
As the book reaches audiences, it serves not just as a work of art but as a reminder of the importance of remembering and understanding both history and humanity. The publication of “Questions 27 & 28” by Graywolf Press marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogues about race, identity, and the impact of historical injustices in the United States.
