Recommended to those who enjoy something rich in history and full of imagery. Williams presents an interesting piece that is full of symbolism and cultural themes, while still being very easy to read. As Miyoko grows, she experiences many an earthquake, both literal and figurative, pushing her to become her own earthquake doll, sounding the alarm while remaining firmly rooted. With the onset of American involvement in Korea, the region is again beset by fighting and war, which will surely force Japan to choose sides, thrusting its citizens into a position of being the ally of one group and the foe of another. Its body is firmly grounded with a head that bounces, used to detect tremors in the earth. Still, she wants to provide the children she watches with a little lesson in Japanese culture as well, presenting them with an earthquake doll, which might be considered a tradition version of the modern ‘bobblehead’. Promised her hand in marriage, Miyoko seeks to live a less traditional life and one more akin to what the Americans have brought to Japan. Hired to work with an American family, Miyoko makes a connection to the children she minds-David and Tina-as well as some of the other nannies, all while her own personal life develops. She is not the only Japanese girl to do this, though the culture shock may be a little more than she expected. Her best option is serving as a nanny on an America military base, where she can make some money and help develop her English. What would become of her family and her blessed country? As the story moves ahead seven years, Miyoko is now a teenager and seeking work. Miyoko was a young girl when the Emperor declared that Japan had surrendered in the war. Having been approached by the author with a revised version of her book, I was intrigued to see what I might find and how the reading experience might shape my views on the subject she presents.

First and foremost, a large thank you to Candace Williams for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

The Earthquake Doll by Candace Williams