Barbara Kawakami, the author of “Picture Bride Stories” (a collection of interviews of “Picture Brides”, or arranged marriages between Japanese men who immigrated to Hawaii and women in Japan purely through photos and resumes), hosted a talk story at Kapiolani Community College.
Barbara, a cheerful lady still filled with energy at the age of 97, talked non-stop for an hour and a half about all the people she interviewed.
The book illustrates in detail the many struggles of the Japanese immigrants,trying to adapt to life in Hawaii while enduring their cultural values (perseverance, piety, gratitude etc). It’s a great read and highly recommended.
