The Affinity of the Eye
Writing Nikkei in Peru
The Affinity of the Eye scrutinizes authors such as José Watanabe, Fernando Iwasaki, Augusto Higa, Doris Moromisato, and Carlos Yushimito, discussing their literature and their connections to the past, present, and future. Whether these authors push against or accept what it means to be Japanese Peruvians, they enrich the images and feelings of that experience. Through a close reading of literary and cultural productions, López-Calvo’s analysis challenges and reframes the parameters of being Nikkei in Peru.
Covering both Japanese issues in Peru and Peruvian issues in Japan, the book is more than a compendium of stories, characters, and titles. It proves the fluid, enriching, and ongoing relationship that exists between Peru and Japan.
“This book is a necessity. The writers that López-Calvo presents offer an amplifying view of what it means to be Peruvian.”—Debbie Lee-DiStefano, author of Three Asian-Hispanic Writers from Peru: Doris Moromisato, José Watanabe, Siu Kam Wen
“This is an important book. As far as I know, no other study has addressed the subject of Peruvian Nikkei writers so comprehensively.”—Blake S. Locklin, a contributor to Orientalism and Identity in Latin America