The language of Journey to Topaz is spare and clear. The book emphasizes strong images rather than ornate language. This style is most effective in the vividly described contrast between the idyllic setting of the Sakanes' home and the stark environment of Tanforan and Topaz. The Sakanes' home seems warm and settled. Yuki has her dog in the back yard, and she is friends with a curious fish in the pond. Her father's garden is well kept and admired by the neighbors.

Everything about the home suggests that Yuki's family is a comfortable part of the middle-class neighborhood.

On the other hand, the Tanforan Assembly Center is anything but comfortable and settled, although the Sakanes try hard to make their converted horse stall resemble a home. Confused and unhappy people crowd Tanforan; everywhere Yuki looks are fences that keep the internees from enjoying freedom and force...