The Legend of Fire Horse Woman

by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and Jeanne Wakatsuki-Houston

Book Overview

Traces the life of Sayo, born under the disastrous sign of the Fire Horse, who comes to America for an arranged marriage and years later is imprisoned with her family in a Japanese internment camp... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 0758204558
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Kensington
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The legend of Fire Horse Woman

This is an excellent story. I have recommended it to many people and also given it as a gift.

The Legend of Fire Horse Woman

THE LEGEND OF FIRE HORSE WOMAN is a moving tale of three women written with such artistry. Sayo, a woman from Japan is described with beautiful, artistic metaphor that gives one a feel for the culture and the position of women in the culture. We agonize with Hana as finds herself and her voice as the family is dislocated, and Terri, seeking her way through adolescence and cultural identity. The stories of the three women are so well interwoven, so carefully crafted to actually feel the family dramas.It is almost impossible to put this book down, with the stories of women at different places in the historical timeline of the Japanese-American culture. The stories are artfully written with mystical and spiritual inspiration, finally merging with a most unexpected climax. Each woman struggles with her identity, and emerges with great strength inspite of their challenges in their lives.This is one of the best novels I have read.

Jeannie Houston's Legend

The long awaited first novel from the co-author of FAREWELL TO MANZANAR, THE LEGEND OF FIRE HORSE WOMAN is a wonderful tale, a splendid book--well worth the wait. This is a page-turner of the best kind with two stories running simultaneously, and finally merging at the end with a surprising, gratifying climax. The technique is a triumph, and the book is a compelling read. Part history, part insight into the human condition as only Jeanne can see it, it is a superb story, and a wonderful read. The settings , Japan in 1902, Manzanar in the 40's during the Second World War, and San Francisco and the South Bay from 1903 to the 40's are deftly handled and skillfully interwoven. The reader shares the history and regrettable experience of the Internment camps through the story telling. The characters are as alive and interesting as they can be. The best novel I have read in a long, long time. Here's hoping the legend of Jeannie Houston continues with a second novel of the same quality.