The Buddha in the Attic - (Pen/Faulkner Award - Fiction) by Julie Otsuka (Paperback)

The Buddha in the Attic is a masterfully crafted novel that delves into the lives of young Japanese women who were brought to San Francisco as "picture brides" over a century ago.

Through eight unforgettable sections, the book traces their extraordinary journeys, from their arduous boat rides to their arrival in San Francisco and their first nights as new wives, to their experiences raising children who would later reject their culture and language, and the deracinating impact of war. Julie Otsuka's writing is exquisite, with a style that feels like poetry, and her use of the collective "we" creates a hauntingly intimate voice that brings the reader into the heart of these women's experiences.

The Buddha in the Attic is a spellbinding novel about identity, loyalty, and what it means to be an American in uncertain times.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, immigration stories, or simply great literature.