Review of The Translation of Love by Lynne Kutsukake

After World War II Japan was occupied by American forces led by General MacArthur. For many this was a time of great deprivation and ideological changes. “Democracy” being the word of the day. All of the characters in this novel are of Japanese heritage, but not all of them are native to Japan. Their circumstances for being in this country are uniquely different.

Aya spent World War II in a Canadian internment camp. After the war she and her father (her mother had died) are repatriated to Japan. Nancy, a U.S. citizen, went to Japan to look after her ailing aunt. War broke out between the two countries and she was unable to return to the U.S. Her U.S. citizenship has been taken away and she is desperate to get it back and go home. Matt works for the U.S. military. General MacArthur has encouraged the populace of Japan to write him with their concerns. Matt’s job is to translate these letters to English.

Fumi has not seen her sister in months and thinks she has gone missing. Perhaps General MacArthur will help find her. She needs to write him a letter. Kondo, a teacher, makes extra money translating or writing letters primarily for Japanese women involved with American servicemen. Sumiko, Fumi’s sister, finds herself working at a dance hall in order to provide her family with the necessary food and medication needed. But she has concerns with the negative impact her job might have on her younger sister so she stays away.

All these characters become connected in one way or another, all as a result of the written word. Lynne Kutsukake is a great storyteller and I feel does a wonderful job of capturing the nuances of the Japanese culture along with the feelings of friendship, love and distrust that are common to all mankind.

Reviewed by Petra Mandock