JO
Julie Otsuka
17quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Julie Otsuka is a Japanese-American novelist known for her poignant and thought-provoking works of historical fiction.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on 1962 in San Francisco, California, United States.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Otsuka's nationality is American, although she has written extensively about the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II. Her profession is that of a novelist.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a predominantly Japanese-American community in Northern California, Otsuka's early life was shaped by her cultural heritage and the experiences of her family members who were interned during the war. Her father was imprisoned in an internment camp when she was just three years old, leaving a lasting impact on her writing.
Major Accomplishments
Otsuka has received numerous awards for her work, including the American Book Award, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. Her novel "The Buddha in the Attic" (2011) was a National Book Award finalist and won the 2012 Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Otsuka's notable works include:
The Buddha in the Attic (2011), a novel that explores the experiences of Japanese picture brides who immigrated to the United States.
When the Emperor Was Divine (2002), a novel set during World War II and exploring the internment of Japanese Americans.
* The Dispossessed was not written by Otsuka, but her work often explores the themes of identity, belonging, and social justice.
Impact and Legacy
Otsuka's writing has had a significant impact on American literature, shedding light on the experiences of marginalized communities. Her ability to weave historical events into compelling narratives has made her one of the most respected voices in contemporary fiction.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Julie Otsuka is widely quoted and remembered for her masterful storytelling, nuanced exploration of identity and culture, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her work continues to resonate with readers, sparking important conversations about the complexities of human experience.
Quotes by Julie Otsuka
"
They learned that some people are born luckier than others and that things in this world do not always go as you plan. STILL.
"
We didn’t know. We didn’t want to know. We never asked. All we wanted to do, now that we were back in the world, was forget.
"
And if anyone asks, you’re Chinese. The boy had nodded. “Chinese,” he whispered. “I’m Chinese.” “And I,” said the girl, “am the Queen of Spain.” “In your dreams,” said the boy. “In my dreams,” said the girl, “I’m the King.
"
Or maybe, it’s just gone. Sometimes things disappear and there’s no getting them back. That’s just how it is.
"
There was a man of the cloth—Reverend Shibata of the First Baptist Church—who left urging everyone to forgive and forget. There was a man in a shiny brown suit—fry cook Kanda of Yabu Noodle—who left urging Reverend Shibata to give it a rest.
"
We forgot about Buddha. We forgot about God. We developed a coldness inside us that still has not thawed. I fear my soul has died. We stopped writing home to our mothers. We lost weight and grew thin. We stopped bleeding. We stopped dreaming. We stopped wanting.?
Showing 1 to 10 of 17 results