Akemi Johnson.
Praise for Night in the American Village:
"Night in the American Village is not an anti-base polemic but an
account of…the gray areas outside of pro- and anti-base politics
where ordinary women live their lives. The work, here, is to insist
on the multiplicity of women's experiences rather than define one
overarching theme, to examine the knot rather than untangle
it."
—Jessie Kindig, Jacobin "Johnson opts for truth over tropes."
—Ms. (Great Reads for Summer)
"Johnson masterfully weaves historical details and current events
into the interviews with her subjects, with each aspect enriching
the broader tale. Highly recommended…"
—Library Journal (starred review)
"A deep dive into the intricacies of the lives of those who are
dependent upon, yet in danger from, their involvement with the U.S.
military."
—Booklist
"A searing and stylish debut. . . . This is a must-read look at the
impact of the U.S.'s overseas military presence on the people who
live near it, cultural collisions, and gendered violence."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A lively, fascinating mix of
perspectives, impressive in both its research and the humanity with
which it portrays its subjects."
—The Japan Times
"Night in the American Village melds intimate contemporary
portraits and vignettes with deep post–World War II history to give
us a powerful picture of Okinawan people and political culture
today. Akemi Johnson is a truly gifted teller of complicated,
engrossing, disturbing, and often unexpectedly uplifting tales. She
brings vividly to life what it is like to live at the very heart of
America's global empire of military bases."
—John Dower, author of Embracing Defeat and Cultures of War
"Night in the American Village is a lively encounter with identity
and American military history in Okinawa and America. By turns
intellectual, hip, and sexy, with the backdrop of one of the
bloodiest battles of World War II and one of the darkest shadows of
the American military empire, this is essential reading for our
times."
—Anthony Swofford, author of Jarhead
"A beautifully written, often chilling book that explores the
complexities of the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, getting
beyond stereotypes and clichés that have dominated conversations
about U.S. bases in Okinawa for too long. The book is a model for
understanding the historical and contemporary impacts of U.S.
military bases in Okinawa and worldwide, including subtleties of
colonialism and empire, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity,
power and political economy."
—David Vine, author of Base Nation and Island of Shame
"A multifaceted look at Okinawa and the impact of the U.S. military
presence there that is compelling and thought-provoking. It is the
best book about modern Okinawa that I have read, and any foreign
reporter covering Okinawan issues should be required to read
it."
—Jake Adelstein, author of Tokyo Vice
"Once you know Okinawa, it grabs you and doesn't let go, and this
book does the same. Akemi Johnson is the guide we need to travel to
this singular island. Clearly and incisively, she reveals the
hidden world of the U.S. military abroad and bears witness to the
human spirit that thrives even in the face of oppression. Every
American should read this important book."
—Sarah Bird, author of Above the East China Sea
"Meticulously researched, this book explores the history of women
and the U.S. military in Okinawa from the 1945 battle to the
present. Written in deft and evocative prose, Night in the American
Village is must-reading for anyone seeking to understand the
effects of the vast U.S. military presence in nations around the
globe. "
—Steve Rabson, professor emeritus of East Asian studies, Brown
University, and author of The Okinawan Diaspora in Japan
"A substantial and powerful account of the women whose lives are
drawn into the orbit of the U.S. military in Okinawa. Nuanced and
meticulously researched, Night in the American Village is a
must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of gender, sex,
power, and national identity."
—Shawna Yang Ryan, author of Green Island
"At once compassionate and unflinching, Night in the American
Village expertly illuminates the consequences of American military
presence abroad. Akemi Johnson reveals a national identity
fractured by violence, war, and cultural discord."
—James Han Mattson, author of The Lost Prayers of Ricky Graves
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