My book review of My Lost Freedom by George Takei. A profoundly moving memoir that offers readers a glimpse into the life of a man who has not only lived through extraordinary circumstances but emerged as a tireless advocate for justice and equality.
Title: My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War 2 Story
By: George Takei
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 48
Release Date: April 16th, 2024
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:
A moving, beautifully illustrated true story for children ages 6 to 9 about growing up in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II—from the iconic Star Trek actor, activist, and author of the New York Times bestselling graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy.
February 19, 1942. George Takei is four years old when his world changes forever. Two months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares anyone of Japanese descent an enemy of the United States.
George and his family were American in every way. They had done nothing wrong. But because of their Japanese ancestry, they were removed from their home in California and forced into camps with thousands of other families who looked like theirs .
Over the next three years, George had three different “homes”: the Santa Anita racetrack, swampy Camp Rohwer, and infamous Tule Lake. But even though they were now living behind barbed wire fences and surrounded by armed soldiers, his mother and father did everything they could to keep the family safe.
In My Lost Freedom , George Takei looks back at his own memories to help children today understand what it feels like to be treated as an enemy by your own country. Featuring powerful meticulously researched watercolor paintings, this is a story of a family’s courage, a young boy’s resilience, and the importance of staying true to yourself in the face of injustice.
Review:
From his early years spent in internment camps during World War II to his rise to fame as an actor and activist, Takei's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. His candid reflections on the impact of racism, discrimination, and injustice on his own life and the lives of countless others are both powerful and thought-provoking.What sets "My Lost Freedom" apart is Takei's unwavering commitment to honesty and authenticity. He does not shy away from difficult truths or uncomfortable moments, instead confronting them head-on with grace and courage. His voice is at once intimate and universal, inviting readers to share in his triumphs and tribulations with empathy and understanding.
I loved diving into Takei's early life. Not only did it bring to life a part of history that is not often talked about, but it gave more depth to an actor that I love and appreciate. 5 out of 5 stars, a must read.
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