Chorus of Mushrooms - pages 11 to 59

Summary of pages 11 to 59

Hiromi Goto's Chorus of Mushrooms introduces us to three generations of Canadian Nikkei women living in Nanton, Alberta, where they cultivate mushrooms. The narrative, primarily told through the alternating perspectives of Naoe, the elderly grandmother, and Murasaki, her granddaughter, explores themes of identity, assimilation, family, and the power of storytelling.

Naoe, an immigrant who has lived in Canada for twenty years, finds herself isolated by her inability to communicate effectively with her family. Though she understands English, she refuses to speak it, clinging to her Japanese language and memories.  Her past is marked by hardship, including the loss of her family's wealth in Japan and a difficult arranged marriage to Makoto. This, coupled with the cultural displacement she experiences in Canada, contributes to her withdrawal into herself and her memories.  She expresses her frustration and sorrow by loudly talking in Japanese, even though her family cannot (or choose not to) understand her.

Naoe's daughter, Keiko (who changes her name to Kaye), represents a contrasting approach to cultural identity.  She actively rejects her Japanese heritage, striving to assimilate into Canadian society. This creates a significant rift between her and Naoe, highlighting the intergenerational conflict and complexities of cultural adaptation.  Despite this, they find moments of connection through shared rituals like grooming, suggesting that familial bonds can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

Murasaki, Keiko's daughter, grapples with her dual identity, feeling disconnected from her Japanese roots. She finds solace in her relationship with Naoe, who shares Japanese folktales and traditions with her. Their bond transcends language, relying on shared meals of Japanese snacks, touch, and intuitive understanding. Through Naoe's stories, Murasaki begins to connect with her heritage, forming a bridge between the past and present.

Discussion questions for pages 11 to 59

1.  Why do you think Naoe refuses to speak English?

2.  How does Keiko's rejection of her Japanese heritage affect her relationship with her mother?

3.  How does Muriel's relationship with her grandmother help her to connect with her Japanese heritage?