East Is East

by T.C. Boyle
East Is East cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Comedy/Humor
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  • ID: 10171
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781408826805
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2011-07-01
  • Reviews: 3

Hiro Tanaka, a Samurai-trained man, finds himself stranded on a peculiar barrier island off the coast of Georgia. The island is inhabited by a mix of rednecks, descendants of black slaves, and a colony of eccentric artists. Tanaka's arrival sets off a chain of hilarious and increasingly complicated misunderstandings. He inadvertently terrifies an islander to death and becomes entangled in a web of confusion involving Immigration Agents and an elderly lady who mistakes him for the famous conductor Seiji Ozawa. His only refuge on the island is the manipulative and ambiguous novelist Ruth Dershowitz, who only draws him deeper into the chaos. /n/n The novel is a blend of humor and cultural clashes, exploring themes of identity and the absurdity of human interactions. Tanaka's journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it a captivating and entertaining read.

Reviews
Leeswammes' Blog · Leeswammes · 2011-01-28
powerful 3.75

The story is told from multiple perspectives, offering a rich and nuanced view of the characters. The book is a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience and societal expectations.

Leeswammes appreciates the way the story is told from different points of view, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative. They find the book to be a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience, particularly focusing on the struggles and aspirations of those on the fringes of society. The reviewer is drawn into the characters' lives and wants them to succeed, highlighting the emotional impact of the story. They also note the dark undertones and the brutal ending, which add a layer of realism and intensity to the book.

Quick quotes

    Again, like in Tortilla Curtain, this is a book about an illegal immigrant at the very edge of society.

    I again wanted the immigrant to succeed, but the ending is brutal - I didn't expect that!

    A lot of this book is funny, but some of it is dark, with an underlying message about how we view outsiders.

Goodreads · 2000-01-01
entertaining 3.50

The story is interesting and entertaining, with typical Boyle fashion and trademark style. However, the conclusion is not particularly satisfying.

The reviewer finds the story to be interesting and entertaining, noting that it is written in typical Boyle fashion with his trademark style. They appreciate the engaging narrative and the way the story unfolds. However, they express dissatisfaction with the conclusion, which they feel does not live up to the rest of the book. Despite this, they acknowledge the book's strengths and the enjoyable reading experience it provides.

Quick quotes

    Interesting and entertaining story, although I did not care for the conclusion.

    East Is East presents itself in typical Boyle fashion, with his trademark style.

    Every time I finish a book by T.C. Boyle, I declare to all that this was my favorite T.C. book.

The New York Times · 1998-02-08
brilliant 4.00

The book is a hilarious black farce about racial stereotypes and selfish ambitions. It explores the absurdity of societal norms and the consequences of unchecked desires.

The reviewer finds the book to be a brilliant exploration of racial stereotypes and the absurdity of societal norms. They highlight how the story turns into a hilarious black farce, showcasing the consequences of unchecked ambitions and dreams. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the human condition. The reviewer appreciates the way Boyle weaves together different elements to create a compelling and entertaining story.

Quick quotes

    A Japanese visitor's adventures in the Deep South into a hilarious black farce about racial stereotypes, selfish dreams and ambitions run hopelessly amok.

    It's a pastoral version of The Bonfire of the Vanities.

    Boyle has a fine descriptive eye and peoples the novel with wonderfully absurd characters.

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