37 pages • 1 hour read
Milton MurayamaAll I Asking for Is My Body
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1975A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
All I Asking for Is My Body, by Milton Murayama, is a fictionalized autobiography set in the 1930s on a Hawaiian sugar cane plantation, narrated by Kiyoshi Oyama, the American son of Japanese immigrants. The novel contrasts Japanese filial responsibilities with American individualism and addresses the difficulties faced by Japanese Americans at the onset of World War II. The story includes sensitive topics such as familial expectations, the burden of debt, and living conditions during wartime.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Milton Murayama’s All I Asking for Is My Body is praised for its authentic portrayal of Japanese American life in Hawaii during the early 20th century. Readers commend its raw, honest language and compelling characters. However, some critics note the narrative's brevity limits deeper character exploration. Overall, it is a vivid and impactful read.
Who Should Read All I Asking for Is My Body?
Readers who appreciate All I Asking for Is My Body by Milton Murayama will likely enjoy literature that explores ethnic identity, family dynamics, and socioeconomic struggles. Fans of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club or Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior may find similar thematic richness and cultural depth in Murayama’s work.
RecommendedReading Age
15-18yearsLexile Level
820L