Chorus of Mushrooms - Plot

Chorus of Mushrooms tells the story of three generations of Canadian Nikkei women living on a mushroom farm in rural Alberta. Each woman grapples with her cultural identity in a different way, creating conflict and ultimately leading to a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

The story begins with Naoe, the grandmother, who immigrated from Japan. Through flashbacks, we learn about her privileged upbringing, the betrayal that shattered her family, and her subsequent displacement and unhappy marriage. In Canada, Naoe clings to her Japanese heritage, refusing to speak English and feeling alienated from her family and her surroundings.

Naoe's daughter, Keiko, represents the opposite approach to cultural identity. She fully embraces Canadian culture, changing her name to Kaye, converting to Christianity, and rejecting her Japanese roots. This creates a deep divide between her and Naoe, who views Keiko's choices as a betrayal of their heritage.

Caught between these two extremes is Murasaki, the granddaughter. She longs to connect with her Japanese heritage but feels lost and resentful that her mother never taught her the language or culture. Murasaki navigates the challenges of adolescence while trying to understand her identity as a Canadian Nikkei, bridging the gap between her grandmother's traditionalism and her mother's assimilation.

The plot unfolds through several key elements:

• Naoe's storytelling: Naoe's vivid narratives of Japanese folklore and her own life experiences become a powerful force, shaping Murasaki's understanding of her heritage and subtly influencing Keiko.

• The mushroom farm: The setting symbolises both the family's attempt to establish roots in Canada and the interconnected nature of their lives. The demanding labour reflects the challenges they face in navigating their cultural identities.

• Conflicts and confrontations: Mother and daughter clash over cultural values, language, and Murasaki's upbringing. Naoe's resistance to assimilation frustrates Keiko, while Murasaki struggles to find her voice.

• Murasaki's journey: She begins to assert her own identity, exploring her sexuality and seeking knowledge of her Japanese heritage outside her family's confines.

The novel culminates in a series of transformations:

• Naoe's acceptance: She finally acknowledges the reality of her life in Canada and finds a measure of peace with her daughter.

• Keiko's reawakening: Through Murasaki's efforts and her own internal struggles, Keiko begins to reconnect with her Japanese roots.

• Murasaki's self-discovery: She embraces her dual identity, finding strength and resilience in the diverse voices that make up her heritage.

Chorus of Mushrooms is a story of generational change, cultural adaptation, and the enduring power of family ties. It explores how identity is shaped by both the past and the present, and how individuals can find their own voices within the complex tapestry of their heritage.

Discussion question

Look at the image below of the 7 basic types of stories. 

What type of story is Chorus of Mushrooms?