How to Be an American Housewife

A Novel

By: Margaret Dilloway

Narrated by: Laural Merlington, Emily Durante

How to Be an American Housewife is a novel about mothers and daughters and the pull of tradition. It tells the story of Shoko, a Japanese woman who married an American GI, and her grown daughter, Sue, a divorced mother whose life as an American housewife hasn't been what she'd expected. When illness prevents Shoko from traveling to Japan, she asks Sue to go in her place. The trip reveals family secrets that change their lives in dramatic and unforeseen ways.

Offering an entertaining glimpse into American and Japanese family lives and their potent aspirations, this is a warm and engaging novel full of unexpected insight.

©2010 Margaret Dilloway (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Dilloway splits her narrative gracefully between mother and daughter (giving Shoko the first half, Sue the second), making a beautifully realized whole." (Publishers Weekly)

How to be an American Housewife

Would you consider the audio edition of How to Be an American Housewife to be better than the print version?

Yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Be an American Housewife?

I enjoyed the entire book. Having served in the Navy and stationed in Japan I enjoyed memories - that her descriptions of japan and japanese culture evoked.

Have you listened to any of Laural Merlington and Emily Durante ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't but now would consider reading more their books.

Fun Reading

What did you love best about How to Be an American Housewife?

This was a fun book to read, full of laughs. It had a great story line. There was the sad side of life along with the fun side of life. A peek at an "outsider" views America.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book.

Well told tale!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you like family sagas this one is right up there. If you enjoy Oriental tales, this is for you.

What about Laural Merlington and Emily Durante ’s performance did you like?

Accents were great.

Excellent - Good prose, great story!

If you could sum up How to Be an American Housewife in three words, what would they be?

Good generational read

Who was your favorite character and why?

The elder mother - I really like her perspective

What about Laural Merlington and Emily Durante ’s performance did you like?

Laural did a fabulous job of negotiating the non-native English that the mom speaks, and the internal dialogue that she thinks. Emily did a nice job of conveying the younger woman's ernestness

I truly enjoyed this one!

What did you love best about How to Be an American Housewife?

The mother daughter relationship was so touching.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The mother. She helps one see the complexity of people... you can't judge a book by it's cover. This goes for our own parents and grandparents too.

Have you listened to any of Laural Merlington and Emily Durante ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no