Chapter 4 In a Stranger's Backyard Summary

The mother, the daughter, and the son arrive back in Berkeley after being released from the internment camp. The mother has cautioned the children that many will not be happy to see them return. They find the outside of their house in a state of disrepair, and they find the inside of their house neglected and ransacked. All of their furniture has been stolen, and the room where the mother had locked away the family possessions has been broken into and all the items stolen. Filth and broken glass is everywhere. The mother reminds the children that many Japanese families have lost their homes.

Before their departure a lawyer had convinced the mother to allow him to rent the house to tenants and collect money for the family. He had promised to send the money...