I just finished the BEST book! It is snowing and cold here today so it was a great day for a great read.
How To Be An American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway
I had downloaded the sample of this book months ago and don’t know why it took me so long to read it. I finished it in just over a day.
It is the story of a Japanese woman who marries and American soldier, right after Nagasaki. She has trouble adjusting in America and still yearns to clean up poor family relations in Japan. Her kids are equally maladjusted but clearly she did the best she could. As she realizes her heart ailments could kill her, she sends her grown daughter and granddaughter to Japan to find her estranged relatives.
The book is full of fabulous quotes from a book called “How to be an American Housewife” that offers gems such as:
“In some instances, it may unfortuantely be necessary for a Wife to seek outside employment, such as when the husband is dismembered or is dead.”
“The good Wife will not question where her husband has been or what he has been doing, or with whom. Such pryings will drive your husband away. It is important to mind your own business and stay within the arena of domesticity.”
And, my personal favorite, “If you find yourself bored or discontented, try this: Give your house a thorough cleaning. There is no better cure for the doldrums.”
This books draws the full range of emotions from you.
Enjoy!
What are you reading and where are you going?
I remember reading a few other reviews of this (also positive), but your snowy-day endorsement (and those well-chosen quotes!) won me over … adding this to the wish list.
Oh man, books like that always get me. I might have to add that to the wishlist!
Snowy/Rainy days are the best times to read. We’re preparing for a winter storm here, so I’m getting ready to settle in with a book myself :]
The book sounds fabulous. Thank you for sharing. I’ll add it to my (sigh) wishlist.
Here’s my Sunday Salon: http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2011/01/sunday-salon-travels-in-siberia.html
I have had this book on my shelf for a looooonng time – guess I should get it down and crack it – as soon as I finish Family Linen and Dogs of Babel. Looking forward to this!
I was feeling a bit bored. Now I know what to do with my idle hands
sounds good, I love historical fiction. adding this to my reading list for this year.
Hey Andrea,
Thanks for the great review! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
I’m now a new follower here at your blog, a new follower at Twitter, and a new friend (requested) at FB!
Thanks for all of the great comments, especially from Margaret Dilloway the author of the book! I love connecting with all of you!
That sounds like a really good book. The quotes were especially humorous. Start scrubbing baseboards…that’s what I do when I have the doldrums…hmmm. I just got done reading a light humorous book called “Rattled” by Debra Galant a neighbor of mine when I lived in Montclair, N.J. Heather Peters, the heroine in the story for want of a better word, could certainly give some of our PTA mums a run for their money!..
That sounds like an awesome read! So glad I stopped by!
Oh Andrea, thank you so much for reminding me about this book! I have heard amazing things about it and yet I seemed to forget all about it. Bad Rebecca! But I am very happy that you reminded me, and that you also had a wonderful day. xoxoxo
I think I would love this book. Adding it to my must-read list!
[...] 3. In case you just joined us, WELCOME! So glad you dropped by. Did you read last week’s Snowy Read http://www.greatthoughts.com/2011/01/snowy-sunday-read/.html/? [...]
I have seen some great reviews for this book – anything that someone can read in one day sounds like a winner to me!
[...] How To Be An American Houswife by Margaret Dilloway- A wonderful book! I just found out that Dilloway has a new book coming out in 2012 which I cannot wait to read. The story of a Japanese woman who marries an American man right after Nagasaki, the book has exceptional character development. You literally feel the relationship between the husband and wife. The writing is excellent. My review is here. [...]