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How To Be An American Housewife, Margaret Dilloway – Review

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Jul 202010
 

PhotobucketHOW TO BE AN AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE is about the strong pull of tradition, and the lure and cost of breaking free of tradition. Set in California and Japan, it tells the story of Shoko, a Japanese woman who married an American GI as a way of improving her and her family’s fortunes, moved with him to the States, and tried to learn how to be a proper American housewife; and her grown daughter Sue, who finds her own life as an American housewife is not at all what her mother would have wanted for her, or even what Sue had hoped for herself. When Shoko’s illness prevents her from making a long-awaited trip to Japan to be reunited with her brother, she asks Sue to go in her place, and the trip changes both women’s lives in unexpected ways. With beautifully delineated characters and unique entertaining glimpses into Japanese and American family life and aspirations, this is also a moving mother and daughter story. Interspersed with quotations from Shoko’s guide to being an American housewife, this is a warm and engaging novel full of surprising insight. – FROM THE AUTHOR SITE

The inspiration behind How To Be An American Housewife

Reading Group Guide for How To Be An American Housewife

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…Margaret Dilloway is a stay-home mom and writer who recently relocated to Hawaii with her three kids and husband.  Follow Margaret on Twitter, Facebook, and through her blog.

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…How to Be an American Housewife was written from a Japanese mother’s point of view and her half American daughter’s as she travels to Japan to look for her mother’s brother. Shoko shares with the reader and her daughter the story of her life. How she grew up, the Japanese customs, and how she assimilated to America. Growing up in a Filipino/American family with a father who was in the Navy I understood what it was like for Suiko (Sue) and could remember how things were for my mother as she learned the American ways to try to fit in while trying to keep her culture alive with her. I enjoyed reading the stories of when Shoko was younger but I  had hoped to hear more from Taro’s side as well. Still a good read about family and culture and one I was able to read in one evening.

How to Be an American Housewife releases August 5th, until then, follow along with the TLC Book tour stops:

I received a copy of this book for review. Receiving a copy did not influence my opinion in any way.

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  • http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com bermudaonion (Kathy)

    I love to read about family and culture, so I think this sounds right up my alley!

  • http://tlcbooktours.com Lisamm

    That’s interesting! I didn’t realize you’d grown up in that way. I read this book a few weeks ago on vacation and just loved it.. Shoko reminded me of a family member who recently passed away and I laughed and cried while reading this. Anyway, thanks so much for being on the tour. I’m glad you enjoyed the book!

  • http://www.margaretdilloway.com Margaret Dilloway

    Thanks for the review! I’m so glad you could relate to it.

  • http://www.reviewsofthings.blogspot.com Ladytink_534

    I’ve heard a lot of good things while this book has been touring the blogs. Glad you seem to like it so much!

  • Paula

    Love the book! My mother-in-law from Japan passed away last year. I’ve missed her terribly, but feel like I’ve been able to reconnect w/ her again through this book. Altho’ many things are different, there are so many similarities, such strong women w/ strength and character. Thank your for sharing your story – it’s beautiful.

   

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