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Sayonara (novel)

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Sayonara
Cover of the first edition
AuthorJames A. Michener
LanguageEnglish
PublisherRandom House
Publication date
1953
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint
Pages243pp.

Sayonara (1954) is a novel published by American author James A. Michener. Set during the early 1950s, it tells the story of Major Gruver, a soldier stationed in Japan, who falls in love with Hana-Ogi, a Japanese woman. The novel follows their cross-cultural Japanese romance and illuminates the racism of the post-World War II time period.[1]

Adaptations

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Sayonara was made into a film of the same name, released in 1957; it was directed by Joshua Logan and featured Marlon Brando and Miiko Taka as Major Gruver and Hana-ogi, respectively.[2] Miyoshi Umeki won an Academy Award in 1958 for her portrayal of Katsumi in that film.[3]

In addition, the novel was adapted by William Luce into a musical of the same name, premiering at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 1987.[4] It starred Richard White as Gruver and June Angela as Hana-ogi.[5] Writing for The New York Times, Alvin Klein called it "purely and purposefully sumptuous ... a spectacle with a soul."[4]

References

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  1. ^ "SAYONARA | Kirkus Reviews".
  2. ^ Crowther, Bosley (December 6, 1957). "Screen: Brando Stars in 'Sayonara'; Off-Beat Acting Marks Film at Music Hall The Cast". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  3. ^ Li, Shirley (February 22, 2018). "Why did Miyoshi Umeki, the only Asian actress to ever win an Oscar, destroy her trophy?". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  4. ^ a b Klein, Alvin (October 18, 1987). "Theater; sumptuous 'Sayonara' at Paper Mill". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Sayonara at Paper Mill Playhouse". About the Artists. Retrieved 15 October 2024.