Jenny and Her Father

American Woman

This flow traces Jenny and Jim Shimada’s difficult relationship across political disagreement, estrangement, and an understated reunion.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Childhood Between Countries

A Childhood Between Countries A Move Across the Pacific Jim takes Jenny from California to Japan, seeking distance from a country he distrusts. Jenny adapts quickly, while Jim remains visibly out of place, making their shared relocation emotionally uneven. A Child’s Loss Returning to California devastates Jenny, though she has little power to shape the decision.

History Becomes Political History Becomes Political from "American Woman". History Becomes Political A Hidden Past Jenny learns at school about Japanese American incarceration, a history Jim has not wanted to discuss.

History Becomes Political from "American Woman". History Becomes Political A Hidden Past Jenny learns at school about Japanese American incarceration, a history Jim has not wanted to discuss.

History Becomes Political A Hidden Past Jenny learns at school about Japanese American incarceration, a history Jim has not wanted to discuss. Her discovery helps her understand his anger, but her questions also unsettle his effort to leave the past alone. A Growing Distance Political awareness gives Jenny a language for injustice while widening the gulf between father and daughter.

The Final Break The Final Break from "American Woman". The Final Break A Catastrophic Visit Jenny’s father confronts William during a visit, and their argument makes continued family contact difficult.

The Final Break from "American Woman". The Final Break A Catastrophic Visit Jenny’s father confronts William during a visit, and their argument makes continued family contact difficult.

The Final Break A Catastrophic Visit Jenny’s father confronts William during a visit, and their argument makes continued family contact difficult. Jenny’s commitment to William’s world becomes inseparable from her growing estrangement from Jim. Silence as an Outcome Father and daughter stop speaking, each carrying grievances neither can resolve.

The Missed Reunion The Missed Reunion from "American Woman". The Missed Reunion Waiting Outside Jim travels to see Jenny after learning she has been arrested, but she asks him to wait until she is ready.

The Missed Reunion from "American Woman". The Missed Reunion Waiting Outside Jim travels to see Jenny after learning she has been arrested, but she asks him to wait until she is ready.

The Missed Reunion Waiting Outside Jim travels to see Jenny after learning she has been arrested, but she asks him to wait until she is ready. He respects the request and returns home, leaving the encounter unresolved. A Daughter’s Defense Jim later recognizes Jenny in the unnamed person who supports Pauline’s legal defense.

A Journey to Manzanar A Journey to Manzanar from "American Woman". A Journey to Manzanar An Invitation Accepted Jenny drives Jim to the site of his wartime incarceration despite his repeated protests.

A Journey to Manzanar from "American Woman". A Journey to Manzanar An Invitation Accepted Jenny drives Jim to the site of his wartime incarceration despite his repeated protests.

A Journey to Manzanar An Invitation Accepted Jenny drives Jim to the site of his wartime incarceration despite his repeated protests. The trip makes their relationship more reciprocal: she drives, and he chooses how to participate once they arrive. Working Side by Side Jim joins the reunion’s preparations, offering a small but meaningful sign of engagement.

When Jenny is nine to fourteen

When Jenny is fourteen

After Jenny meets William

After Jenny’s arrest

Several years after Jenny’s release