35 pages • 1 hour read
John OkadaNo-No Boy
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1956A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In No-No Boy by John Okada, twenty-five-year-old Ichiro Yamada returns home after two years in prison for refusing to serve in the U.S. military and forswear allegiance to Japan during World War II. He grapples with his identity, torn between his Japanese heritage and American upbringing, seeking to understand his past decisions while navigating relationships with family and friends amidst post-war prejudice and racism depicted in the narrative. This book includes sensitive topics such as suicide, alcoholism, and the impact of war and internment.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
John Okada's No-No Boy provides a poignant exploration of Japanese American identity post-WWII. Critics praise its compelling narrative and emotional depth, though some find the prose occasionally challenging. The novel’s rich historical context and complex characters make it a significant, if sometimes difficult, read.
Who Should Read No-No Boy?
Readers of John Okada's No-No Boy are typically drawn to historical fiction that delves into complex themes of identity, displacement, and post-war struggles. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri will appreciate Okada's exploration of Japanese-American experiences and the poignant struggles of cultural assimilation and identity.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
900L