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Sara asked this question about Fifty Words for Rain:
I'm unclear on the author's background with Japan, how she did her research, and what her qualifications are to write such a book? It feels as if this could be a story set anywhere.... and I'm curious why the author chose to set this book in Japan. Anyone?
Rebecca I had the same wondering when I started reading this book. I also had the same question when I read " Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden (who, has …moreI had the same wondering when I started reading this book. I also had the same question when I read " Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden (who, has an M.A. in Japanese history, conducted several interviews with geishas, and lived in Tokyo for a while.) Asha Lemmie's bio on Goodreads states that she has spent time in both London and Kyoto (two major cities in the book). I think it matters when an author has done their homework for their stories that is portraying a culture different than one(s) they were raised with. When I read a story from an author about their own culture I don't wonder as much if the details are correct, I usually trust them to write from a position of authority on their own culture. When an author writes about another culture I don't automatically assume they are speaking from a position of authority. Considering the backlash and controversy around "American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins, (mentioned in the comments here) I think that Sara's question is appropriate here. How do we know when an author is relying on incorrect and harmful stereotypes, or when their writing reflects something real? The author's experience and research matters.(less)
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Fifty Words for Rain
by Asha Lemmie (Goodreads Author)
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