Shadow of a Monster Plane:
Recollection of a Childhood in
Tokyo Before and During WWII
by Sachi Ann Welsh

    SHADOW OF A MONSTER PLANE by Sachi Ann Welsh
    Category:  Non-Fiction
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  7/14/08
    Publisher:  Trafford Publishing
    Reviewed by:  Allison Fraclose
    Rating:  5 Stars


    For an older Japanese woman living in modern day Florida, life progresses as normal. Amidst her regular chores
    and duties, Sachi takes pleasure in simple things, such as lounging on her daughter’s veranda or watching her
    grandsons romp around the yard. But, for one who has lived in extraordinary times, small details and similarities
    can bring on a flood of memories, taking her back through time to reflect on her earlier life as a young girl in Japan.

    Watching her grandsons, she wonders if they will remember her, as she remembers her old O-baa-chama
    (grandmother), who was the daughter of a samurai and held a dignified presence in their home. As the boys swing
    on the aging swing set, she recalls how, as a little girl, she once attempted to dislodge an out-of-reach persimmon
    by swinging up to it in the play area of their Tokyo home. February brings bittersweet memories of their household
    maid, who passed on to Sachi a passion for poetry, writing, and curiosity in all things at an early age.

    As the memories progress, we see signs of war creeping in at the sides. The servants are sent away, small luxuries
    removed and frowned upon, and education becomes difficult to obtain as children are sent to work in factories for
    the good of the country. When bombs begin to fall, Sachi’s family struggles to survive and maintain their dignity,
    each doing their part, even as they are split up to face the most horrific of conditions.

    This stunning autobiography takes a close and personal look at middle-class life in Japan before and during World
    War II. With simple yet jarring details and a rich flair for storytelling, the author takes us back to a tumultuous
    time, and lays out her memories honestly and without blame. My only complaint about this book is that it is far too
    short, and I ached to know more about the rest of the author’s life after the events of the final anecdote.

    This book is rather special to me, because the author is none other than the woman who taught my husband and I
    Japanese over the course of two college years. Fortunately, we both got a chance to visit with her during our last
    winter vacation in Florida, where she presented me with a signed copy of her book. She always shared a special
    interest in my writing goals, and I am honored to have the opportunity to review such a book by a wonderful
    author.

    Arigato gozaimashita, sensei-san!