Chorus of Mushrooms - pages 59 to 120

Summary of pages 59 to 120

Pages 59-120 of Chorus of Mushrooms dive deeper into the lives and struggles of the three generations of Canadian Nikkei women, expanding on the themes of identity, cultural adaptation, and female empowerment.

Keiko's Perspective: In contrast to Naoe's poetic storytelling, Keiko's narrative is grounded in her personal experiences and observations. She recounts her childhood in postwar Japan, marked by hardship and a constant struggle for survival. Her marriage to Shinji and their immigration to Canada are portrayed as pragmatic choices aimed at securing a better future. Keiko's struggles with the English language and her sense of displacement in Canadian society underscore the challenges faced by many immigrants. Her perspective adds depth to the understanding of the family dynamics, particularly her complex relationship with Naoe.

Murasaki's Revelation and a Feminist Retelling: Murasaki's encounter with her friend Patricia brings a moment of poignant realisation. Patricia's comment on the "funny smell" of mushrooms forces Murasaki to confront her embarrassment and shame associated with her family's mushroom farm. This incident highlights Murasaki's internal conflict regarding her cultural identity and her desire to fit in.

In contrast to this struggle, a bold retelling of the Japanese folktale of Issun-bōshi presents a young girl, Miwa, who confidently takes charge of her destiny. This feminist reimagining subverts traditional narratives and emphasises female empowerment, echoing the challenges and triumphs faced by the women in the novel.

Naoe's Escape and Keiko's Reconnection: Naoe's sudden departure from home marks a turning point in the narrative. Her escape is a bold act of self-liberation, symbolising a rejection of societal expectations and a quest for personal freedom. In response to Naoe's absence, Keiko grapples with depression and a renewed sense of cultural displacement. She seeks solace in Japanese cuisine, attempting to reconnect with her heritage and, by extension, her absent mother. However, her experiences at the supermarket expose the subtle yet pervasive "othering" faced by minorities in Western spaces, further complicating her journey of self-discovery.

Pages 59-120 enrich the narrative by introducing Keiko's perspective and interweaving it with Murasaki's experiences and a reimagined folktale. These elements further explore the complexities of cultural identity, the challenges of assimilation, and the power of female agency. The narrative continues to unfold, revealing the characters' resilience and their ongoing quest for belonging and self-acceptance.

Discussion questions for pages 59 to 120

1.  What do you think mushrooms represent in Chorus of Mushrooms?

2.  What is the author trying to achieve by retelling the story of Issun-bōshi?

3.  Why does Murasaki seem annoyed in the 'ethnic' section of the grocery store?