Hiroshima Dreams

by Kelly Easton

Lin O'Neil, a talented but shy girl growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, develops a close relationship with her Japanese grandmother, who shares Lin's gift of precognition.

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Cultural, Historical, Fantasy, Realistic Fiction, Japanese Literature

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2007

Reviews

[C.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

From an uninspiring cover blurb, to a surprising read -- or that is, it went from sounding maudlin and mudkip to being well-paced, keenly observed, and both historically and emotionally engaging. Were I to teach a secondary school English class, might very well toss this at them. Er, not because I like hitting students with books. Because in all honesty, I believe it would be a bridge to understanding.

[Kiersten · Rating 1 out of 5]

My dislike for this book may have stemmed in part from the fact that I am half-Japanese, and yet I did not feel that I could relate to anything in this book. I felt that Ms. Easton was trying to write about a person, an experience, and a subject that she didn't understand and couldn't empathize with. Instead of feeling authentic, I felt that Lin (which, by the way, is a Chinese name, not a Japanese name), was a combination of all of the stereotypes out there about Japanese and half-Japanese people. I was particularly bothered by Lin's voice in the first part of the book. Six-year-olds just don't talk like that. They just don't. Finally, I was bothered by the political garbage that was thrown in there. In one part, Lin, who for some unexplained reason has a sixth sense that allows her to see into the future and "read" people, looks at George Bush on TV and sees in him someone that is full of lies (not anywhere near a direct quote, but you get the gist). Ms. Easton, that's great if you dislike George Bush and think that he's the reason for all of the nation's/world's problems, but such tangential, biased material had no reason for being in this book. It did not help the storyline in anyway, and was very jarring, taking the reader away from the story line. Finally, the Hiroshima Dreams portion, which was billed as the main content of the book, hardly made an impact. I just felt that this whole book was a mess.

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have this book on my shelf actually! And I will say.. it’s okay. My real rating would be 2.3 stars, the first time I read it, I was amazed, but the second time I realized the book has flaws.

Firstly, I felt like it romanticized Japanese culture, instead of actually talking about it. Japanese culture was a spectacle, instead of a CULTURE. It was put into a mythical, enlightening light and that’s what I don’t like about it. There’s no real respect, and this book suffers from the same problem as Girl in reverse. It dismisses everything “bad” or “unconventional” about a culture and boiled it down to everything conventional, well, things that westerners would like.

Secondly, I read another review on this book that mentioned the main character (Lin) had a sixth sense for no reason, except that it was passed down? (At least that’s what I get from book) But honestly? It was so put into a such a mythical way that it didn’t feel real. It was as if it was just there to add this “ooooh she’s Japanese and mysterious” element, which wasn’t realistic to me. I get that the author was going for a sort of supernatural aspect, but it wasn’t portrayed right at all. It was all based on WESTERN superstition and stories, not Japanese. What I mean by this is that a lot of western people consider reading people mysterious, the same with being observant, but that isn’t really something mystical in Japanese culture (or in any culture for that matter) it just felt like the author wanted to write a story with a character who was Japanese, but didn’t do her research all that much. Honestly, this story would have been the same if you replaced it with a white girl. (Just saying.)

But! There are some things I like about this book, the main character is mixed, much like me, and faces the same problems I do as a mixed person, which I really liked. But it isn’t major or anything. You can barely tell she’s mixed honestly, which disappointed me. Also! The writing can be nice sometimes, I like how it keeps it’s tone, soft and quiet, like the main character. Plus! There are a lot of cultures that aren’t really represented in literature a lot, such as Irish and Italian, but those play minor roles, so I can’t really commend the author.

If you want better books about Japanese culture that explores what it’s like to be spilt between cultures I’d recommend Ichiro by Ryan Inzana and A tale for a time being by Ruth Ozeki. Both explore Japanese culture without fetishizing it or making it all mythical and mysterious. These books make Japanese culture.. a culture! Treating it with respect, highlighting both its flaws and wonderful qualities. Please read them! They’re way better than this book, which doesn’t respect the culture it represents at all.

[Luthien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also on my blog, Luthien Reviews.

Today--August 6, 2015--is the seventieth anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It was the first time an atomic weapon had been used outside of tests in the New Mexico desert. Together with the bombing of Nagasaki three days later, it brought a final, horrific end to the most brutal conflict in history. Though much larger and more powerful bombs have since been developed, the staggering consequences of those first two have, thus far, ensured that no nuclear or atomic weapons have since been used for fear of "mutually assured destruction."

Despite its title, however, this little novel is not really "about," nor even set in, Hiroshima. Rather, it is a lyrical coming-of-age story. It begins when Lin, the narrator, is only five. Her grandmother has just arrived from Japan to live with her parents and older sister in their Providence, Rhode Island duplex. She tells Lin that she is "the one" and gives her a lotus seed that feels "as big as [her] five-year-old hand." Over the next several years, Lin and her Obaachan form a deep bond. Slowly, Lin comes to understand her grandmother's troubled past and her own psychic gifts.

I found this book very sweet.  Perhaps it begins a bit slowly, and certainly older readers with more historical knowledge will have no trouble figuring out Obaachan's "secret," but Lin is a bright. endearing little girl from the first. It took me no time at all to start caring about her and not much longer to care about her grandmother as well, and because Dreams is character- rather than plot-driven, sympathetic characters are a must.

The prose is fairly simplistic, especially in the beginning--when Lin is in kindergarten and first grade--but it is artfully written all the same.

In contrast to the other sounds of our house--the voices, the loud Barbie saga that Sally enacts with her friend Molly, the television, Mom's kitchen utensils and phone conversations, and the rustle of Dad's newspaper, Obaachan's room is an island of quiet. I have a name for the room. I call it Mystery. The silence of that mystery is louder than any noise. (20)

When I started reading, I was afraid that Eaton would incorporate Hiroshima much more strongly--that, for instance, she would "send" her narrator "back in time" to experience the horrors first-hand--because everything nuclear terrifies me. Fortunately, though Lin has isolated visions of the past, but nothing very graphic. No moral judgments are passed--after all, Lin's father is American, her mother Japanese. (Obaachan says only, "Goodnight, Bobby-san. Imagine, we used to be enemies.") No debate on right or wrong is sparked.

The book is, as I said before, focused on Lin's journey--from a silent, anxious young girl to a quiet, confident young woman. Her bond with her grandmother drives the plot forward. Having also been a shy girl whose family could not afford the best and whose grandmother meant the world to me, I not only liked Lin, but I identified quite strongly with her as well.

Hiroshima Dreams is ultimately the story of a single remarkable girl. It isn't exciting or dramatic, but it is a quick and touching read. The writing is simple but expressive, flowing through two hundred pages like a clear, sparkling brook.

As they say at church: ashes to ashes and dust to dust. What is there and then not: a city, a war, a mother's dress floating away on a river, disintegrating back to its threads, its atoms. (161)

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easton is a local writer for older children and teens who has really made a name for herself in young adult literature, and we here in the local library community are thrilled.

The protagonist is Lin, who starts off as a five year old girl of mixed heritage (her mother was born in Japan, and her father is proudly Irish American). She has an older sister Sally, who is quite the popular kid. The family lives in Rhode Island, which is honored by a number of local references that are dead on. Lin is a quiet and shy girl, who seems to excel in everything from her schoolwork to her gift of playing the cello.

Everything starts to change when Obaachan, her Japanese grandmother, comes to live with them. Obaachan introduces the family into a lat of tradition Japanese culture including the tasty food, meditation, and the loose philosophy that allows some to focus on the positive things in life. It does not take long for Lin and Obaachan to bond, particularly once the grandmother starts to babysit during her first summer in the United States.

It is at this point that Lin learns about her grandmother's psychic abilities, which she seems to have inherited. This aspect of the story is subtle and adds to the mystique of the grandmother and her strong observations.

The writing of this novel is almost lyrical and the emotions involved are quite moving. Lin is a strong character that finds herself growing largely due to her grandmother's guidance, but also through her experiences as she becomes a teenager and explores her own talents and the world around her in Rhode Island.

The title takes on a whole new meaning as dreams play a major role in the abilities shared between Lin and Obaachan, but also as Lin learns more about her grandmother's past and its effects on her family's more recent history.

I would definitely recommend this one. I am not sure that many teens would be drawn to it, but it will definitely find a comfortable home with some, both adult and teen.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com

I just finished HIROSHIMA DREAMS by Kelly Easton and I want everybody to know what a good book it was. It's a story of growing up. The story is told beautifully, rich imagery woven throughout the pages. It was very easy to picture this family going through the motions of daily life.

The book starts off when the grandmother, Obaachan, arrives from Japan when Lin is in kindergarten. The first time they meet, Ochaaban tells a koan. If you are like me then you learn that a koan is used for meditation and enlightening a being's mind. When Lin makes a wise comment in regards to it, Obaachan whispers to her, "I knew I was right about you."

In the beginning, life with Obaachan is not easy. There is an adjustment phase for everyone involved. Lin lost her bedroom to her grandmother and is forced to share with her big sister, Sally. Sally is being Sally, a typical big sister who has to make sure Lin stays in her place as the younger one. Lin's mom also has to adjust as her relationship with her mother is somewhat strained. It takes Obaachan two weeks to come out of her room and when she does, she announces that she is ready to be "American."

I wish I had a relationship with my grandmother as Lin had with hers. She has an opportunity of a lifetime, learning the ways of a generation past. Lin has always had the knack to be able to tell the future, and this is something she shares with her grandmother. Her grandmother teaches her to develop her gift through meditation and Lin constantly tests the strengths and limitations of what she can do. For Lin, it's more than knowing what the weather will be like the next day and if the boy you like will call. The education Lin got from Obaachan shapes her as a person observable as she grows into a young woman.

[James Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a rather disappointing book. The title led me to believe that the majority of the book would have something to do with Hiroshima and memories of the atomic bombing, but that part is actually basically only incidental to the rest of the book.

The story is about Lin, a young child (around kindergarten age at the start of the story) who has the gift of “second sight.” Her grandmother comes to live with her and her family. The mother is Japanese, the father American, the two having married not long after the end of World War II.

The grandmother lived through the bombing of Hiroshima, and possesses her own form of psychic abilities.

Throughout the book Lin grows older, going from an extremely shy girl into a somewhat less shy young lady. As the story goes on, various modern-day references are added, such as Clinton's affair, the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York, George Bush/Dick Chaney's administration, etc.

I like the parts about the personal things Lin is going through, and the grandmother's memories of Japan.

I was disappointed in several ways, though.

For one thing, Lin's second sight is not really referred to that much or is really used that much.

The story covers probably around eighteen years in time, and the events are so condensed that the book comes across almost as an outline of what would have been a much longer book.

The title of the book leads one to think that a considerable part of the book would be based on what happened at Hiroshima, yet that is a very, very small part of the book.

Of those, It think the condensed nature of the book is the most bothersome to me. I feel that there is so much more that could have been done with the story, but wasn't.

[84-The_enlightment_of_Doctor_Grace_part5_Jesus]

Hiroshima Dreams by Kelly Easton is about a girl named Lin. When Lin's grandmother came over from Japan she gave her a lotus seed and told her she had the gift. Lin could tell who was calling or see what would happen to people. Lin is the opposite of her sister Sally. While Sally is outgoing and thinks their grandmother is boring, Lin sticks to her and enjoys the koans she tells her. One day Lin finds a box labeled HIROSHIMA in her grandmother's closet. When Lin gets older she explains how she survived the atomic bomb being dropped and how it affected her. She also says she won't be around forever. Lin doesn't have any friends, so when she is moved to a private school she becomes friends with Keisha. At first Lin doesn't want to leave her grandmother, but she finally "gets a life". While Lin is finally branching out, she must deal with her gift and possibly save people's lives.
This book is about being proud of who you are. Lin and Sally's mother never talked about her childhood in Japan. Only until her mother came did she realize how special her childhood was. There father who was Irish was proud though. He always talked about his family and what Ireland was like. Sally always changed with whatever friend she was with and was never herself. This chameleon act caused her a lot of trouble. You should also use your gifts and try to overcome shyness because someone along the road may need your help, and if you’re in bed hiding from the world who is going to change it?

[Chia Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really exticiting book because it's really boring in the begginning but you just can't stop reading it at all, even if it's really boring it starts to get more and more interesting. i'd recommend this to anyone because this teaches you a lot of things about life. This was written for kids and adult any age to read.I don't think this book is similar to any other books but that's the good about it, if you don't understand read it and then you'd understand. I like how this girl was able to have a really good connection with her grandmother because none of her family member has ever gotton close to her grandmother before. what i didn't like about the book is that the sad things she had to go throght.
In the begginning it's about a girl and her family that moved from hiroshima to america. Her grandmother was a really mean and it made the kids(her grandchildern) think that she's evil.But the main girl name lin became really close to her and learn who she was. she learned that her grandmother was really sweet and nice and taught her how to medaitate and release stress.throught out the story lin learns that she inherted a gift from her grandmother and she uses her gift throught the story to help her life and other peoples life.
another thing that i thought was interesting in a book was that her gift was able help a boy that disappeared for a long time because she saw a vision of him.

[Andrew Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has so many great quotes:
"Mom has given me a doll that goes pee. The doll has blond curly hair, and big bule eyes that close when you lay her down. That doll gives me nightmares. I dream she comes to life and chases me. I dream she pees so much she makes a flood that rises as high as the ceiling."
"One of Mom's favorite phrases is 'time flies.' When I first heard the saying, I thought time was a fly, a small insect landing on a wall, with nowhere in particular to go"
"'...Attachment means having ideas of how things should be. And if things are not that way, you are unhappy. America is the land of attachment, I think.'"
"'...A master pours a cup of tea for his student. The cup overflows, but the master keeps pouring. "The tea is spilling," the student shouts. "You are like this cup," the master replies, "so full of yourself and your ideas of reality. You must make room to learn anything."....'"

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story follows a girl named Lin--half Japanese, half American--whose fully Japanese grandmother comes to live with them when she is little. Intelligent, painfully shy, and friendless, Lin develops a special relationship with her grandmother, whose Buddhist wisdom and philosophies help to shape her into a strong, talented young woman. Lin and her grandmother also share the talent of second sight--knowing what someone will say before they do, predicting accidents, and knowing the locations of others--these are things that come naturally to them. Lin's grandmother teaches her how to focus and refine her special gift without abandoning her life as a normal girl. I thought this was a very sweet, well written story. It's a short read and would be a good recommendation to people looking for stories with strong female characters.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a most unusual book because it is told in first person but the narrator is in kindergarten when it begins. AT the opening of the book, Lin's grandmother has just arrived from Japan to live with Lin and her family which also includes Sally, her big sister. While Lin is shy, studious and reserved, Sally is boisterous, opposite in most ways, but protective of Lin. Lin has a gift, she has the gift of vision and can often tell what is going to happen in advance. Lin connects very strongly to her Obaachan, loves her koans, food and seeing her everyday after school. Her Obaachan helps her to come out of her shell and share her gifts, like playing the cello, with others. This book really sticks to you.

[Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit it: the reason why I like this book so much is probably because I relate to Lin, the main character. At least, in real life I do. I'm not Japanese or Asian, or anything but mixed European given the title of white American. That's not my point. My point is that I also play the cello and rarely speak. I experience the same shyness and reactions to being extremely quiet that Lin does, and for me, that made the book feel incredibly realistic. Now, about the actual book: it moves effortlessly between years (something most authors cannot manage). And other than that, it was just a good story. Maybe even a little thought-provoking. Definitely well written and touching. I'm glad I picked it up by chance this morning at the library.

[Faith B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2
Eesh, this is the 3rd book today that I've given 3 1/2 stars to ... but that is what they all merit! O well.
I am very unsure what shelves to put this one under ... there are elements of mysticism, so do I put it under fantasy? And what about all of the stuff you learn about Japan? Do I put it under historical-fiction then? So I'm just not putting it on any shelves. Poor lonely. ;)
I found this one mesmerizing and un-stilted, which is always a good thing. Kelly Easton writes about second sight without making it seem hokey or even very odd. Yay for non-stilted and non-hokey writing. ;)

[AdaA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book was very good and I really enjoyed reading it because I learned about Japan and it made me really think after I finished it. I can really see clearly how the girl grows up and becomes braver. I can also make a connection with the main character because I know what it feels like to be very shy. I recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about historical events because this book talks about what happened in Hiroshima. I also recommend it to people who like reading books about life. I think the story in this book is something that really makes people think.

[Samma Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic but quiet novel. I could have devoured it in one sitting if I had the kind of time still in my life. The pacing was great, the characters were all wonderful, and amazing little details informed you of so much (great showing rather than telling). There were issues, but I immediately forgot each one as I read. The description on the front flap is rather misleading - a lot of the mentioned plot points are dealt with in a very short fashion - but it's just a beautiful tale.

[WCPL Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spanning 10 years, this novel tells the story of Lin, growing up at the turn of the millennium. Lin is half Irish and half Japanese. When her Japanese grandmother comes to stay with them, they form a special bond, since they both share the gift of precognition. Struggling with her shyness, Lin slowly comes to accept herself and find her purpose, even after her grandmother's death.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable tween novel, very quick read. However, this book read more as an outline glossing over ideas for several good novels rather than being a satisfying whole unto itself. Perhaps the minimalist style was intentional for the target audience or the subject (Japanese-American girl coming of age) but it left me wanting more detail and depth.

[Mitchelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, but there is no problem to encounter or face. The book simply revolves around her growing up and turning into a women. There is no satisfaction one usually gets after reading a fantastic book. The book is completely unrealistic at the first part. No five year old would be able to have such mature thinking. It does not give off a feeling of innocence a young girl should have.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 sections of this book, set in 1996, 2000, and 2007, follow the growth/maturation of japanese-irish-american lin and the lessons she learns from her japanese grandmother who survived the bombing of hiroshima.

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely coming of age story as Lin grows up and moves from being a very shy uncertain young child to a thoughtful, caring young adult. Very easy reading with a lovely prose that fitted the story perfectly.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. not book I would spend money on, but a book I enjoyed once I picked it up from the library. This was a sweet coming of age story, about a girl who comes out of her shell, through the love and patience of her grandmother.

[Rain Shokralla · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books it’s very good coming-of-age story. Following two sisters and they’re very different lives. The ending of the book is very sweet and leaves the reader with the hopeful feeling.

[Karen Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of a grandmother/grandchild relationship

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

also a great read and nominated for next year's GA book awards.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

while the charecters where intoxicating the conclusion of the book left many thingsto be awnserd including what was the conflict?

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so tragic, joyful, adorable, and amazing that I'm not sure how to put it into words!

[Mrs. Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book as it told of the relationships a Japanese Grandmother made after she moved to the United States to be cared for my her daughter and family.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice coming of age novel perfect for a young tween.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much soul and spirit was put into this book. Even though it was short, it still was a goodread ;D