Speak, Okinawa: A Memoir

My full review is posted here: https://literaryquicksand.com/2022/05/review-speak-okinawa-by-elizabeth-miki-brina/

First of all, this was unlike any other memoir that I've read. The way it was laid out was different, and it got really artistic at times. Also, it was incredibly interesting because I had no idea about the history of Okinawa. I've heard a few things I think about it being occupied, but I really had no idea. So, this book was as much a history lesson as it was a beautiful memoir of identity.

Brina's mother is from Okinawa, and her father is from the United States. He was a soldier when he met his wife and took her home to the states, even though she didn't know any English. The two had their daughter, Elizabeth. Primarily, the book is about Elizabeth figuring out who she is in relation to her mom and dad, and how she can straddle the line between English and Okinawan.

When Brina was a child, she identified much more with her father, and didn't understand her mother. Now, as she writes her memoir, she's figuring out why that was and what it all means.

This book was truly beautiful, especially at the end, when Brina writes about identity.

I'm honestly not exaggerating when I say this is my favourite book not just this year, but for quite a few years. If you know Okinawa, it might have slightly more impact - I remember driving down from Nago to Naha, and we were literally driving along a US army base perimeter for nearly an hour, just to give an idea of its size - , but its real power is in its excruciating personal honesty about her relationship with her parents, and most importantly her mother.