Browse > Theme > Optimism—power or folly
1 articles
Topaz Mosaic (short story)
- Short Stories
- Grades 9-12, Adult
- Communication—verbal and nonverbal, Family—blessing or curse, Optimism—power or folly, Reunion
- Widely available
Three vignettes by Toshio Mori centering on a family in Topaz and the furlough visit of their Nisei soldier son. In the first, an Issei father struggles to write a letter to his son Sam in English. In the second, Sam stops in Salt Lake City to buy presents for his family before visiting them in Topaz the next day, recalling the friend (presumably in Topaz) who was convinced he was a "sucker" for volunteering. In the last, Sam is greeted warmly by his family and learns that a sister has left camp for New York and a brother is also joining the army.