Hirahara’s first historical mystery revolves around the Itos, a Japanese American family sent, via Executive Order 9066, from their Southern California home to the Manzanar War Relocation Center after the start of World War II. Hirahara has written about internment previously, and her portrayal of camp life, with its stresses and degradations, is deftly wrought. But the novel comes into full focus when the Itos are released and move to Chicago, where the eldest daughter, Rose, dies in an apparent suicide after jumping in front of a subway train. Hirahara is a gifted crime writer; her books include the Mas Arai mysteries. Here, the detective becomes Rose’s sister, Aki, who believes there is more to her sibling’s death than meets the eye.•
AUTHOR NAOMI HIRAHARA IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHN FREEMAN
When: Thursday, August 17, 2023, 5 p.m. Pacific time.
Format: Freeman will lead a free hour-long conversation with Hirahara, which will include a reading by her and questions from the audience. Produced by Alta Journal for streaming on Zoom.
