Review ~ Requiem by Frances Itani

My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for an e-copy of this book to read and review.

My 5***** Review

This beautifully written novel focuses on the story of the internment of Japanese Canadians in British Columbia following the bombing of Pearl harbour, during WW2. The narrator, Bin Okuma, alternates the story of this internment, alongside his journey back to the camp some fifty years later. Told in three separate time strands, we are privileged to witness Okuma’s modern day journey, together with his rendition of times past, and also the story of his marriage, to his recently deceased wife, Lena. His modern day observations, together with his dog, Basil, are perceptive and well described.

In many ways this emotional story tugs at the heart, the subjects of loss and redemption are sensitively explored, and the novel abounds with quiet dignity. The clever intertwining of past and present is managed in a thoughtful and considerate way, which on the whole makes for powerful and poignant reading.

Frances Itani has a natural gift for perceptive story telling. Her innate ability to engage the reader, make her novels the type of book that stays with you long after the last page is turned. 

Frances Itani is the author of four novels, and several books of short stories and poetry. She lives in Canada.

Leaning Over Water ~1998

Deafening ~ 2004

Remembering the Bones ~ 2007

Requiem ~2012