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No No Boy: A Classic of Asian American Literature

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John Okada's No No Boy is a seminal work of Asian American literature. First published in 1957, the novel tells the story of Ichiro Yamada, a Japanese American man who refuses to fight for the United States during World War II. Ichiro's decision is based on his experiences of racism and discrimination, as well as his belief that the war is unjust.

No-No Boy (Classics of Asian American Literature)

by John Okada

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2665 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages

No No Boy was a groundbreaking novel when it was first published. It was one of the first works of literature to explore the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II. The novel also challenged the prevailing stereotypes of Asian Americans as loyal and obedient citizens.

Today, No No Boy is considered a classic of Asian American literature. It is still widely read and studied, and it continues to inspire and provoke readers.

Plot Summary

No No Boy follows Ichiro Yamada as he navigates the complexities of racism, identity, and the search for belonging. The novel opens with Ichiro's return to Seattle after serving time in prison for refusing to fight in World War II. Ichiro is met with hostility and rejection from his community. He is unable to find a job, and he is ostracized by his family and friends.

As Ichiro struggles to rebuild his life, he begins to question his decision not to fight. He wonders if he has made a mistake, and if he has betrayed his country and his family. Ichiro also begins to explore his Japanese heritage, and he comes to a new understanding of his own identity.

Ultimately, Ichiro finds a measure of peace and acceptance. He learns to forgive himself for his decision not to fight, and he comes to terms with his own identity as a Japanese American.

Characters

No No Boy features a cast of complex and well-developed characters. Ichiro Yamada is the protagonist of the novel, and he is a complex and sympathetic figure. Ichiro is a man who is torn between his loyalty to his country and his loyalty to his own conscience.

Other important characters in the novel include:

Tomoe Yamada: Ichiro's wife. Tomoe is a strong and independent woman who supports Ichiro's decision not to fight.
Kenji Yamada: Ichiro's father. Kenji is a proud and traditional Japanese man who is disappointed by Ichiro's decision not to fight.
Grace Matsumoto: Ichiro's childhood friend. Grace is a kind and compassionate woman who helps Ichiro to rebuild his life after the war.

Themes

No No Boy explores a number of important themes, including:

Racism and discrimination: Ichiro experiences racism and discrimination throughout the novel. He is rejected by his community, and he is unable to find a job. Ichiro's experiences highlight the racism and discrimination that Japanese Americans faced during World War II.
Identity: Ichiro struggles with his identity throughout the novel. He is a Japanese American, but he is also an American citizen. Ichiro's struggle to reconcile these two identities is a common theme in Asian American literature.
The search for belonging: Ichiro searches for belonging throughout the novel. He wants to be accepted by his community, but he also wants to be true to himself. Ichiro's search for belonging is a universal theme that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.

Legacy

No No Boy is a classic of Asian American literature that continues to be read and studied today. The novel has been praised for its realism, its complex characters, and its exploration of important themes.

No No Boy has also been made into a film and a stage play.

The novel has also been translated into several languages.

No No Boy is a powerful and moving novel that is a must-read for anyone interested in Asian American literature.

No-No Boy (Classics of Asian American Literature)

by John Okada

4.7 out of 5