My early impression in reading this book was of "The Hummingbird's Daughter" by Luis Alberto Urrea. Magical realism seems to be the flavor of this novel, featuring clairvoyants, ghosts and dreamscapes. But then I realized it is much more, as a second then third protagonist has her story presented by the same family member.
As much as I'd imagined this book a mystical fantasy genre with history and political economics mixed in, upon further reading I had to readjust my perceptions to its rebellious youthfulness and mystery solving sections. "Red Girls" utilizes multiple genres as it travels with the Akakuchiba family through multiple generations. Throughout the story are dark, shadowy events typical of Japanese storytelling, but with exceptionally creative and clear writing.
The people, place and outlook seem covered in a bleak dust. Perhaps because it all begins in an era following WWII and the effects on Japanese culture and society after devastating atomic bombs were dropped on the country. The story takes place in the Tottori Prefecture (in the Chugoku region), approximately 157 miles north-east of Hiroshima.
- Hiroshima: The bomb ("Little Boy") hit a flat delta terrain, which allowed the blast wave and thermal energy to spread freely across the city. It destroyed about 5 square miles of the city center and resulted in an estimated 90,000 to 166,000 deaths within the first few months. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
- Nagasaki: The bomb ("Fat Man") was more powerful, but the city sat in the narrow Urakami Valley surrounded by mountain ridges. The hills blocked much of the blast wave and limited the main destruction to about 2.6 square miles. It caused an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 deaths over the same initial period. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
This novel begins as the country is trying to forget their war-torn, military nationalism past. Capitalism has taken over Japan, and the young generation proudly welcome industrialism as they take on becoming proud workers and consumers. The author's knowledge of Japan's history is present in her writing. She cleverly includes how with the new wealth came deadly consequences appearing in the forms of industrial pollution, sickness and rebellious youth.
The story takes place in a small Japanese community with class privilege and class struggle in a post-war society. And it is the women who drive this story from start to finish, giving it so much of its feelings and mysteries. And who of us doesn't have stories and/or memories of strong matriarchs in their family, as well as seductresses and renegades. I liked letting the tales just unfold as the book led me down dark corridors toward an unknown destination.
A surprise in the story was the introduction and description of a Japayuki character. Nowhere in my reading have I ever come across a Japayuki, young Filipina women who traveled to Japan to work as nightclub hostesses, entertainers, escorts. The era of the Japayuki was between the late 1970's to early 2000's. The character plays a meaningful part in the story.
If not for my interactions with and knowledge of Filipino culture, I would not have known of the young women who left their southeast island homes to work in Japan during its 1980's economic boom.
I found "Red Girls" a good, engaging read, but also at times a difficult/confusing/challenging read, possibly due to translation. The many Japanese names and their relationships almost became overwhelming. But as the journey continued, I could see a clearer and broader picture, seeing the forest for the trees.
It is in the final pages where I was able to look back on all the narrator shared and say to myself, "yes, I have enjoyed listening as Toko shared the story of her grandmother, mother and family over the past sixty years." But one must be patient in order to let all parts of "Red Girls" brew and percolate before judging the richness of its flavor.
Yes, I enjoyed Red Girls and recommend it to those who are open to new flavors in their reading diet. For Manga lovers it features parts which could be considered a delicacy to the palate.
Here is a good overall blurb I came across describing the book:
While the plot and characters are made up, the book is grounded in real Japanese history:
Post-War Japan: The novel uses the timeline of the mid-20th century, stretching from just after World War II through the end of the 20th century, reflecting real societal shifts, industrial growth, and cultural changes in Japan.
It is set against the backdrop of rural manufacturing and changing local communities in Chugoku region of Japan.
Novel of the week: Red Girls by Kazuki Sakuraba — Jason Sanford
