Having fallen in love with Julie Otsuka's "The Buddha in the Attic," which I found profoundly emotional and striking, I was eager to dive into "When the Emperor Was Divine." This short novel offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Japanese immigrants during World War II. While it is a lovely read that sheds light on an important historical experience, I felt it lacked the emotional depth and impact that resonated so strongly in her other work. Overall, it's a worthwhile read, but it didn't quite reach the same heights for me.