EYES OF THE EMPEROR

Eddie Okubo's father prepares to send Eddie "home" from Hawaii to Japan for college. Eddie sees himself as more American than Japanese and enlists in the army in 1941. After Pearl Harbor he serves with loyalty and distinction, in spite of the ignorance, prejudice, and abuse he encounters in the army. Robert Ramirez relates this stunning piece of historical fiction about a less-than-proud moment in American history. He narrates with authority and believability, and his accents and emotions are true to the characters. A glossary defines many of the Hawaiian and Japanese words, and the author's note at the end places this novel in its historical context, making the story even more powerful. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]