Chorus of Mushrooms - Context

The setting of Chorus of Mushrooms plays a vital role in shaping the characters' experiences and highlighting the central themes of the novel. Goto uses physical spaces and cultural elements to convey the complexities of identity, displacement, and belonging faced by three generations of Canadian Nikkei women.

The Albertan Landscape:

The vast, windswept prairies of Alberta serve as the backdrop for the novel, representing the immigrant experience in Canada. This stark landscape contrasts sharply with the characters' memories of Japan, emphasising their sense of displacement and the challenges of adapting to a new environment. The harsh climate and the physical isolation of the prairie further underscore the characters' feelings of loneliness and alienation.

The Greenhouse:

The Tonkatsu family's mushroom farm, particularly the greenhouse where the mushrooms are cultivated, is a significant setting in the novel. It symbolises nurturing, growth, and the delicate balance required to cultivate life in a foreign land. The greenhouse protects the delicate mushrooms from the harsh Albertan climate, paralleling the characters' efforts to preserve their cultural identity amidst the pressures of assimilation.

Urban vs. Rural:

The novel also explores the contrast between urban and rural settings, highlighting the generational and cultural divides within the family. Naoe remains confined to the rural farmhouse, clinging to her memories of Japan, while Keiko and Murasaki venture into the nearby town of Nanton, interacting with Canadian society and navigating their identities in a more diverse environment. This juxtaposition reflects the characters' evolving notions of home and belonging.

Japanese Elements:

Throughout the novel, Goto incorporates various Japanese elements, such as language, food, and folklore, to connect the characters to their cultural roots. These elements serve as reminders of their heritage and provide a sense of comfort and familiarity amidst their displacement. However, they also highlight the tension between tradition and modernity, as the characters grapple with reconciling their Japanese heritage with their Canadian identities.

Domestic Spaces:

The domestic spaces of the Tonkatsu household, particularly the kitchen and Naoe's bedroom, are significant settings for familial interactions and conflicts. These intimate spaces reveal the characters' personal histories, secrets, and the emotional tensions that simmer beneath the surface of their relationships. The kitchen, in particular, becomes a symbolic battleground for cultural clashes and attempts at reconciliation.

The settings in Chorus of Mushrooms are not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative. The various settings, from the vast Albertan landscape to the intimate domestic spaces, contribute to the novel's exploration of identity, cultural preservation, and the search for belonging in a new homeland.