The Nail That Sticks Out

The Nail That Sticks Out: Reflections on the Postwar Japanese Canadian Community is being published by Dundurn Press.
 
This fourth-generation account is a unique hybrid memoir exploring an evolving community through memories of places, events and traditions while tackling issues of identity, belonging and racism.
 

Family stories  reflect on generational conflict  and bridges two cultures. It contrasts the North American dream of achievement through the conformity imposed by the Japanese adage: the nail that sticks out gets hammered in. 

Through the lens of wartime incarceration, family honour, traditional arts and human connection, it celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of the Japanese Canadian community to the Toronto landscape.
 

Released in October 2024, now available from your favourite book store.

Toronto Arts Council
Writers Grant

Thanks to the Toronto Arts Council for providing a writers grant to complete this important work.

Suzanne Hartmann Collage 2

Upcoming Events

Please join me as I share my work. Is there an event you think I should attend? Feel free to reach out.

Nov. 19  Readings with Adelle Purdham and Gloria Blizzard. Society Clubhouse,  967 College St., Toronto, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.