The Climate of the Country

The Climate of the Country, Marnie Mueller, Curbstone Press, 1999

Set in the Tule Lake Japanese Segregation Camp during World War II, it tells the story of Denton Jordan and his wife Esther, staff members struggling to do their best for the Japanese prisoners. Denton is a conscientious objector at a time when the manly thing to do is join the military. Esther is the daughter of Jewish intellectuals most concerned with what's going on in Europe.

The director of the camp, Ted Andross, has imposed harsh and restrictive measures on the Japanese. The only way out of the camp for the Japanese is to renounce their emperor, whom they revere as a god. Some of the Japanese are willing to work with the Americans, while others have become radicalized and begin to push back just as hard.

This isn't just a Japanese vs Americans novel. Denton and Esther's marriage is sinking, fast. The situation also pits Andross against his staff and friend against friend.

In a way, this is not an easy book to read. It tells the story of people struggling with their consciences in the midst of a demoralizing situation. Having been born at the Tule Lake Camp, Mueller does an excellent job at putting the reader right in the middle of everything. This one is highly recommended.