Fifth Born Son by George Omi

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Book Review: Fifth Born Son by George Omi
Fifth Born Son is an autobiographical book by George Omi, published in 2021. The book traces the immigrant story of Omi's father, the first foreign-born member of the Omi family to gain citizenship and permanent residency in America. Omi's father was a successful entrepreneur, starting with a dry-cleaning business in San Francisco before venturing into several other enterprises. Although Omi is somewhat estranged from his father after he divorces his mother, they manage to reconnect seventeen years after the divorce during their trip to Japan. Awkward family reunions and stressful interactions with old relatives and friends mark the father-son trip to Japan. However, it is also a chance for Omi to excavate his family's history. The author learns that his father, the youngest male child in his family and with nothing to lose, made the risky journey to America, where he had to endure racism and make great sacrifices to raise a family. This essay will review Fifth Born Son, including the novel's central idea, plot summary, descriptive details about major characters, and whether the book is worth reading.
Fifth Born Son by George Omi, is an ode to his father, who persevered through many challenges as a first-generation immigrant. The novel's central idea is the experiences of first-generation Japanese American immigrants in America, particularly the challenges they had to overcome to become successful. Omi's memoir revolves around his father's experiences as a Japanese navigating life in early 20th century America. However, the novel starts by narrating the struggle of dealing with his parents' estrangement to each other. The author's parents have no relationship to speak of since his father divorced his mother seventeen years ago. However, Omi has endeavored to maintain a civil relationship with his father, something he feels guilty about because it might offend his stoic mother. The two often argue about their immigrant status in America: Omi's father (who is ninety-one years old) comes alive when narrating his experiences in Japan and their conversations often end up stirring painful memories within the author. For instance, the topic on the government-mandated evacuation of Japanese Americans into concentration camps after the Pearl Harbor attack is a sore subject and the author is displeased when his father brings it up.
The author is also not happy when his father reminds him of the endemic racism against Japanese Americans, including second-generation immigrants. Most of the struggles Japanese immigrants face in America are highlighted throughout the book. For instance, the author narrates how his father had to work hard and overcome racist neighbors, unfavorable business conditions, as well as legislative attacks against the entire Japanese community just to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Omi's father is somewhat eccentric and his oddities (such as the decision to abandon his family and remarry) are the source of friction between him and everybody. However, despite all his flaws, the au...