Analysis Of The Buddha In The Attic By Julie Otsuka

In the novel “The Buddha in the Attic,” Julie Otsuka tells a story of Japanese women in a new country presented with struggles that many people may never experience but the outcome of their innocent offspring is severe. In the devastating final chapter, “A Disappearance,” the members of the towns are puzzled and confused about what happened to the Japanese while the offspring of the Japanese women are facing a dilemma that is unthinkable. As the children venture on the journey that has an imaginary path to it and the questions travels the mind constantly- What is the root to this uproar? Why are we being punished unknowingly? Have we broken a law? Did we dream too much? Should we have helped more on the farms? Prayers were seen a soothing method
for the unanswered questions, restless nights and unimaginable future that lies ahead. With all the puzzling and numerous questions; the facts remained the same there was a war present and their blood line had to leave the lives they had behind so as to secure themselves. This sense of security was uncertain, and the minds ponder over to the lives in J-Town: a home, friends, hobbies, pets and vision for a better future. Then there was a new question that presented itself: What becomes of us now? Another unanswered question of endless possibilities of restored hope and a better livelihood for the children.