Book Clubs:

Cherry Blossoms in Twilight touches on many topics that could be discussed at book clubs.  Here are some suggestions:

1.                 Yaeko remembers spreading insect-infested rice grains onto trays outdoors until the bugs crawled away, then gathering the grains back for eating-nothing wasted. Discuss the similarities and differences between growing up during the Depression years in Japan versus in the United States between a childhood 70 years ago in either country versus your own childhood or that of your children.

2.                 How are Japanese and American civilian WWII experiences similar and different? Note that in the U.S. there was fear of Japanese attack on the homeland, especially on the west coast.

3.                 Has this book been able to convey a good sense of what it is like to live in a country at war and under attack? Members may choose to enter a discussion of WWII and the Japanese involvement, perhaps doing some historical research. What do members think about the dropping of the atomic bombs.

4.                 Think of the current turmoil in the Middle East. What are the differences in post-WWII occupied Japan and "post-war occupied" Iraq and Afghanistan?

5.                 Japanese traditions and religious practices are fairly entwined into everyday life. Each morning, Yaeko's mother lit incense in a small Buddhist shrine in the house to honor dead ancestors, setting out tiny cups of green tea and rice to "feed" the dead. Discuss how the ancient traditions of the rather primitive belief system of Shinto and Buddhist customs still have a place in modern Japan. Are there any primitive traditions in America, or your home country? Consider the difficulties of learning and accepting a religion that is very different from your own, especially when it is not common in your area. Would you be as accepting of your child believing in a new religion as Yaeko's mother was?

6.                 Imagine having another country's soldiers walking the streets of your town.  Would you consider having a relationship with a foreign soldier occupying your country?  Consider difficulties that could be faced when marrying any person that is very different from you and your family.

7.                 What are the dangers of being dependent on a spouse?  What steps can you take to counteract those dangers?

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