Through Harsh Winters

Book excerpt: "Dr. Kikumura has written a moving study of a woman whose large spirit, courage, dedication to her principles, and common sense is a model to women of all ages and ethnic origins. It reminds us of the uses of culture – giving otherwise ordinary lives a dignity and purpose that enlarges them, linking even mundane concerns to a meaningful sense of history, to others, to one's own ancestors, to the gods. Dr. Kikumura writes about her own mother, a Japanese American whose life works are of the kind not ordinarily recorded or applauded. Yet her story is worthy of admiration; not less than inspirational at times, We can be grateful that anthropologists have recently come to appreciate the value of looking at the significant people in their own experience, as people having something to teach the world, for a tale told about people known and loved has an immediacy and vitality that is completely engaging and convincing. The reader leaves this work with affection and a touch of envy, for the insight into the mother and daughter – their special relationship deepened and understood through the device of a conscious study." Barbara Myerhoff University of Southern California