So Far from the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Chapters 4-7

After a few more chapters of this book, I must say that the event that left the largest imppression on me was when the factory where Hideyo, Yoko's brother works at, was overtaken by Communist Korean soldiers. This is because the author explained in great detail how the Koreans killed Hideyo's friends and what the town looked like after the raid. You also can really feel the emotions that Hideyo is experiencing.

After escaping the factory, Hideyo goes to his house, where he shows his cleverness by taking any food he found and matches, a savings book, and toiletries, as well as extra clothing. Hideyo has clearly thought about what he would need on his journey to catch up with his mother and sisters.

Meanwhile, the others are in a train staition in Seoul where they are stuck in horrible conditions like having to eat garbage. Later, the Kawashimas go to Pusan, where they are in a warehouse and must deal with more garbage food, cramped conditions, dirty places, and lastly, the possibility of rape by drunken Korean men who are celebrating their independance. They help each other survive by looking out for each other and by making themselves look like boys.

After getting to Japan, Mrs. Kawashima stops in Kyoto because she wants her children to continue their education, even in a war torn country. This shows that she is concerned about their education which could help others avoid war. It also shows that she might be Confucianist because her belief in the importance of education is a Confucianist ideal.

Mrs. Kawashima values education, love for the family, kindness, and friendship. The girls show these values when Yoko shares her food and her water with a pregnant woman on a hospital train, showing friendship and kindness. Ko shows her mother's values by bringing roasted corn when her family is hungry. This shows kindness and love for the family.