No-No Boy - Plot

No-No Boy tells the story of Ichiro Yamada, a 25-year-old American-born son of Japanese immigrants. Ichiro has spent two years in prison for refusing to join the US Armed Forces during World War II, making him a 'no-no boy'. The story begins when he returns to his hometown, Seattle.

Ichiro's homecoming is not comfortable. His parents own a grocery store and live in a small apartment at the back. His younger brother, Taro, is angry with him, and his old friends either ignore him or are rude. His mother is proud of his refusal to fight against Japan, but Ichiro despises her for her undying loyalty to Japan.

Ichiro reconnects with two old acquaintances: Freddie, another no-no boy, and Kenji, a war veteran who lost most of his leg. Despite their different experiences, they feel a connection. Tensions rise when Taro decides to quit school and join the army, blaming Ichiro's refusal to join the army for his decision.

Ichiro's family life continues to deteriorate. His mother finally realises that Japan lost the war and has a mental breakdown. Meanwhile, Kenji's health worsens due to an infection in his leg.

Ichiro considers starting over in Portland and even gets a job offer there, but he decides to return to Seattle. He says goodbye to Kenji, who dies while Ichiro is on his way back. When he returns, he finds his mother has drowned herself and his father is drunk.

Ichiro's mother is buried, and he feels uncomfortable during the funeral. He spends time with Freddie, who is increasingly anxious because he had a fight with a Japanese American veteran, Eto, and now Eto and his friends are after him.

Freddie tips Ichiro about a job at the Christian Rehabilitation Center, but Ichiro turns it down, believing something better awaits him. Later, Freddie gets into a fight with Bull, another veteran, and dies in a car crash. The novel ends with Ichiro walking home, hopeful for the future.

Discussion question

Given Ichiro's complex feelings about his identity and loyalty, how does his relationship with his mother influence his decisions and outlook throughout the novel?