This appears to be a self-published book, and I can't find it being sold anywhere. It says it was published by Cereus Publications in Burlington, KY, and it is very good. It covers a lot of history of Japanese Catholicism through the eyes of a 14 year old boy who is sort of ashamed of being Japanese and German in ancestry, and whose mom has already died. His Japanese grandmother helps him understand why his heritage is important and that his German American father really does love him. It's a little bit of a fantasy because there is time travel involved. It reminds me of "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen. Instead of a Jewish girl going back in time to Auschwitz, this boy goes back in time to the 26 Japanese Martyrs of Nagasaki. Then it fast-forwards through many other events, including the Japanese Internment during WWII and the bombing of Nagasaki. I think it was very well done, even if it's not going to win a Pulitzer.
The part that most struck me was the Japanese Internment. These were actual American citizens. Many had been born in the US, even a couple of generations' worth. It was very sad to think that out of fear, their country turned on them. If you haven't read up on it, do. It only happened about 60 years ago. What makes people think that can never happen again? If people forget, it's more likely to happen.
The other important part was that Catholics in Japan were in hiding for 230 years with no outside help or direction. They hid, and kept their faith alive. In the bombing of Nagasaki, and estimated 8000 Catholics were killed. I imagine that is a big part of the reason there aren't that many Catholics in Japan. By the way, the current prime minister of Japan in Catholic. That's a first. But I don't think it's in the culture to talk about that kind of thing much. He never speaks of it.
I'd be happy to loan this out if anyone wants to read. It's probably for kids over 12, especially the part about Nagasaki. Over 14 for sensitive kids. It's not too graphic, but it does not pretend about what happened. It does show the hope and love that Christ brings us as Catholics in the direst of circumstances.
Our book club read a book about a year ago covering this same topic (Japenese internment camps). It's called, "Tully Lake" by Ed Miyakawa. It is being published again, but I'm not sure it's sold everywhere. The author lives around here and he came to our book club meeting. It was very interesting to be sure.
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