Shizuye "Shichan" Takashima is the protagonist of this autobiographical novel about a girl's rites of passage.

Through her personal recollections, the author records the hardships and beauty of camp life while providing insights into Japanese culture and traditions. Although she realistically records the narrow-mindedness of some Canadians and Japanese, her insights and reflections underscore the narrative's affirmative theme: the ability of the individual to see beauty and meaning in life and thus transcend human foibles, follies, and even tragedy.

Senji Takashima, Shizuye's father, represents the defiant Japanese who, angry about their unjust treatment, protest and petition until improvements are made in the camp. Senji also represents those Japanese who, because of this treatment, wish to return to Japan after the war. In this sense, his desire to return to Japan contributes to the narrative's suspense. Yet, when he eventually decides to remain in Canada...