Recently, I was asked to find a book that would make an appropriate and useful inclusion to the LRCE catalog. A book that, while entertaining, instructive and timeless, doesn't contain any controversial subject matter that might be inappropriate in a classroom full of young students. I decided that the catalog would most benefit from a work of literature that hasn't already been incorporated into it; that way, through my suggestion, I can introduce the LRCE, and by extension, its patrons and students K-12 to new material and ways of thinking. Being an avid reader and owning a sizable collection of books myself, I decided to pick one out that I enjoyed myself as a younger man. Unlike many of the books on the LRCE catalog, it is written by a Japanese author, which I believe will add an element of diversity to the catalog, and introduce patrons and students to new points of view and lead them to asking critical questions. The book I have chosen is the Harp of Burma, also known as The Burmese Harp. In my opinion, it is a very well-written work that can be appreciated by any age, but in this case, I think it would be most appropriate for older students in grades 6-12. As a matter of fact, the Harp of Burma was initially serialized in a magazine aimed at Japanese youth, the Aka Tombo in 1946, before being translated into English and published overseas by Charles E. Tuttle Publishing.
The Harp of Burma is set in Burma during the closing days of WWII. It tells the story of a company of Japanese soldiers fighting a desperate and losing conflict with the British. Along with the physical rigors of war such as harsh climate, an unfamiliar local people, and a dangerous enemy, they must deal with emotional challenges: homesickness and the negative emotions brought on by war. It is only through the power of music that they are able to stay sane and face their daily hardships. Their ability to make music is due in no small part to Corporal Mizushima, who is very skilled in playing the Burmese harp, a local instrument. Mizushima is also very skilled in blending in with the local population and often goes out scouting for his company during the war. Mizushima is loved and respected by everyone and his skill as a harp player is very highly valued. Mizushima's importance and skill is highlighted when his company are surrounded by a larger British force; the company commander decides that they must pretend they are unaware that they are surrounded while, in reality, retrieving ammunition and firearms to repel the attack, so Mizushima plays his heart and sings to fool the enemy. However, unexpectedly, both British and Japanese bond through music, drop their weapons, and talk peacefully. It's then revealed that the war is over and the Japanese company surrenders. The whole cast of characters end up in a POW camp and wait to go home, but Mizushima goes missing, and they begin to fear the worst. However, their happens to be a Buddhist monk who looks a lot like Mizushima, and the men are beginning to wonder...
While, on the surface, the Harp of Burma is an interesting war story, it really is a passionate cry for pacifism and cultural understanding. These are values that I think are very relevant to our times, and students would do well to learn from this book. Despite the depressing subject matter, the book carries an uplifting and positive message about the triumph of peace and music over violence. It is a very short novel, so it can be quickly read, re-read, and discussed in the classroom. I will go through the book again quickly to make sure there isn't anything that might upset students or parents, but I am sure this book will be a wonderful inclusion to LRCE's already impressive catalog.
The Harp of Burma is set in Burma during the closing days of WWII. It tells the story of a company of Japanese soldiers fighting a desperate and losing conflict with the British. Along with the physical rigors of war such as harsh climate, an unfamiliar local people, and a dangerous enemy, they must deal with emotional challenges: homesickness and the negative emotions brought on by war. It is only through the power of music that they are able to stay sane and face their daily hardships. Their ability to make music is due in no small part to Corporal Mizushima, who is very skilled in playing the Burmese harp, a local instrument. Mizushima is also very skilled in blending in with the local population and often goes out scouting for his company during the war. Mizushima is loved and respected by everyone and his skill as a harp player is very highly valued. Mizushima's importance and skill is highlighted when his company are surrounded by a larger British force; the company commander decides that they must pretend they are unaware that they are surrounded while, in reality, retrieving ammunition and firearms to repel the attack, so Mizushima plays his heart and sings to fool the enemy. However, unexpectedly, both British and Japanese bond through music, drop their weapons, and talk peacefully. It's then revealed that the war is over and the Japanese company surrenders. The whole cast of characters end up in a POW camp and wait to go home, but Mizushima goes missing, and they begin to fear the worst. However, their happens to be a Buddhist monk who looks a lot like Mizushima, and the men are beginning to wonder...
While, on the surface, the Harp of Burma is an interesting war story, it really is a passionate cry for pacifism and cultural understanding. These are values that I think are very relevant to our times, and students would do well to learn from this book. Despite the depressing subject matter, the book carries an uplifting and positive message about the triumph of peace and music over violence. It is a very short novel, so it can be quickly read, re-read, and discussed in the classroom. I will go through the book again quickly to make sure there isn't anything that might upset students or parents, but I am sure this book will be a wonderful inclusion to LRCE's already impressive catalog.
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