First term ASTU afforded the incredible opportunity to read an array of genres that depict civilians unique first hand experiences as they struggle to survive in corrupt and war-stricken parts of the world. With the first term coming to a close my peers and I had the privilege of examining the fonds of Joy Kogawa author of Obasan. The novel had a large impact on the way I examine my neighborhood in particular; I will never pass Hastings Race Course again without the Japanese Community lingering in my thoughts. The fonds elicited feelings of connectedness and specific emotions that I felt could never be repercussions of archives from a woman I hardly knew. Naomi and her mother feared that their mutual knowledge of one another’s pain would sever their relationship, in turn they chose to be silent; ironically enough silence was the one thing that severed it. Though tragic it is my favorite aspect of the book; because in moment Naomi realizes that silence evidently destroyed their relationship she makes the decision to listen. It is in this act of listening and breaking the silence that I came across my favorite line of the book

“Mother. I am listening. Assist me to hear you.”(Pg264)

Of the entire book this simple phrase was the one to hook me; she was speaking to her mother directly. While analyzing the fonds I came across a rough copy of the book, one that was to be edited and re assessed before being published. Within the pages Joys small handwriting scratched out some words, and added in others; editing it as she pleased. Then, I came across a paragraph and the last three lines had been viciously scribbled out of sight the replacement for those lines written below read “Mother. I am listening. Assist me to hear you”. Overwhelmed by a rush of emotions I felt a connection to Joy. I was holding the “birth” of my favourite line; it was as if I was seeing my favourite celebrity in person for the first time. Being able to see her writing and just hold the pages made the entire book that much more real. The artifacts truly changed the way I look at the book and make me want to read it a second time over with this new perspective.