emperor 3

I think that Otsuka wrote about the topic of Japanese internment camps mainly for one obvious reason; to bring something that is seldom spoken about to light.  I also think that it was for her own knowledge of the situation, as she learned little about it while growing up.  I think that this book took a more, “under the radar,” approach to discussing something that is rarely touched upon, than a novel such as, The Vagina Monologues.  Although one novel is about a topic that is obviously much more solemn than the one discussed by Eve Ensler, Otsuka’s mission was similar.  This novel, in my opinion, relates to the events that happened on 9/11, as well as any national tragedy or corruption, as it will rarely be seen being discussed, and affected thousands of families for generations to come.  The families who have been affected would have to keep to themselves, when provided little to no outlets to express how they feel about it, or to hear someone else's perspective of the event.  I think that is also a reason why the family members are unnamed throughout the book.  Otsuka seemed to have been writing this novel for any and everyone who has experienced any type of this trauma.  The nameless family, in my opinion, is to represent all of the families who can relate, in any way.  I also think that this is why so much is left unsaid, or said in a monotonous tone throughout the novel; so that the reader can relate to the family in their own way, whether having gone through such a circumstance or not.  When the Emporer Was Divine, is a novel written about a little-known topic.  The author had little knowledge of the events growing up, but later learned the harsh realities of the internment camps, and shared her knowledge with the world to shine light on it.