Farewell To Manzanar

Farewell to Manzanar: A Powerful Memoir of Japanese-American Resilience

A Journey Through Forced Internment

Farewell to Manzanar is a compelling memoir written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and published in 1973. It chronicles the harrowing experiences of the author and her family during their forced internment in Manzanar Relocation Camp during World War II. Through the vivid recollections of Houston, who was a child at the time, the book offers a firsthand account of the prejudices, hardships, and resilience that Japanese-Americans endured during this unjust chapter of American history.

Forced Relocation and Stripped Dignity

In the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US government issued Executive Order 9066, which authorized the mass internment of Japanese-Americans. Houston's family was among the thousands who were forcibly relocated from their homes and businesses. Stripped of their belongings and their dignity, they were transported to Manzanar, a desolate camp located in California's remote Owens Valley.

Life in Captivity

Farewell to Manzanar paints a stark picture of life within the barbed-wire fences of the camp. The Houston family struggled to adjust to the cramped, unsanitary conditions and the constant threat of discrimination. Despite the adversity, they found solace in their cultural traditions and the bonds of their community.

Surviving Indignity with Resilience

Houston's memoir is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Japanese-American people. Amidst the indignities of forced detention, they maintained their dignity, fought for justice, and ultimately emerged from Manzanar with a renewed sense of hope and determination. Houston's powerful words serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.