A Family’s Journey Through a Difficult Historical Chapter
Together in Manzanar: The True Story of a Japanese Jewish Family in an American Concentration Camp, by author Tracy Slater, presents a true account of life inside the Manzanar camp, one of several facilities where the U.S. government confined individuals of Japanese descent during World War II.
At the heart of the narrative is Elaine Buchman Yoneda, a Jewish American labor activist, who in 1942 chose to accompany her three-year-old son Tommy into the camp after being informed that he would be sent there without her. Elaine voluntarily entered Manzanar with her mixed-race son, while leaving her white daughter, Joyce, behind.
Harsh Living Conditions and Emotional Impact
Cramped Quarters and Unsanitary Facilities
The book describes the barracks as overcrowded and poorly equipped, with multiple families sharing limited space. Sanitation was minimal, and the available food often caused illness. One heating stove and a single light bulb were typical per room.
Elaine’s husband, Karl, a U.S.-born citizen of Japanese ancestry, was also detained. After the war, both parents became advocates for reparations and later questioned whether they should have resisted more firmly.
Reflection on History and Contemporary Relevance
Slater draws parallels between the wartime internment and current discussions around immigration and detention policies. She emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing policies driven by fear or misinformation, warning that they can lead to serious social consequences.
Released on July 8, this is Slater’s second book. Her first was a memoir about her personal experiences living in Japan after marrying a Japanese national.
