Chapter 8, Topaz, Winter's Despair Summary and Analysis

Towards the end of October, snow begins to approach the camp. Sheetrock crews finally come to the camp but move slowly. The Uchida family now has walls and a ceiling backed by sheetrock along with a stove to warm them. Friends continue to stop by in Topaz as they had in Tanforan, and this cheers them up. The Uchidas adjust well to their cramped living quarters, but other families have great difficulties. Their white friends are kind to them, but the white "friends" of other Japanese Americans loot their belongings and lie to them.

Weather brings schooling to a halt in mid-November and the kids are sad because school gave them something to do. The children eventually acquire a sense of purpose for what they are there to do.

The camp's first Thanksgiving is relatively...