Book Review Diary of a Mad Old Man by Junichiro Tanizaki

Book Review – Diary of a Mad Old Man by Junichiro Tanizaki

Author: Junichiro Tanizaki


Translator: Howard Hibbert


Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1988.


ISBN: 019-282137-7 Pages: 177






Insights into the challenges of aging in Japan






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A light funny and insightful novel that reveals the daily diary of a seventy seven year old gentleman and the challenges of old age as he battles pains and aches in his arms and legs and the effects of a mild stroke.






His obsession with his son’s wife adds a spice to the story as he tries to find situations where he can be with here, touch her and instruct her to do things he desires.






While his wife and family look on and don’t blink at his sexual desires and continue on unabated.






We learn of the complexities of family life and the strained relationships between siblings, husband and wife and the staff who assist the family such as a live in nurse.

Book Review – Diary of a Mad Old Man by Junichiro Tanizaki

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Book Review The Buddha Tree by Fumio Niwa

Book Review – The Buddha Tree by Fumio Niwa

Author: Fumio Niwa


Translator: Kenneth Strong


Publisher: Charles Tuttle, Tokyo, Japan.1968


ISBN: 0-8048-0995-X Pages: 380




Life inside a Buddhist Temple



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Set in a rural town in Japan, a priest of a historic temple finds himself in a spot of trouble that has built itself up over a number of years and he now is faced to deal with it. A strong set of characters build the scene and plot.

We learn the inner workings of a Buddhist temple, how people live, their daily life and the jobs involved with the temple and the interaction with parishioners. We gain a snapshot of Japanese culture, customs and rituals and the norms of the period.

A light novel that will keep your interest as you learn about people, institutions, customs and culture in a warm, charming way. Fumio Niwa is a great storyteller.

       

Book Review – The Buddha Tree by Fumio Niwa

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Book Review Beyond The Curve by Kobo Abe

Book Review

Beyond The Curve by Kobo Abe

Book Review – Beyond the Curve by Kobo Abe

Author: Kobo Abe

Translator: Juliet Winters Carpenter

Publisher: Kodansha Amer Inc (February 1993)

ISBN: 978-4770016904 Pages: 248



A powerful selection of short stories



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A superb collection of twelve short stories by the master writer Kobo Abe. The book starts with “An irrelevant death” when a man finds a dead body in his room in a boarding house and we have a front row view of his thought processes as he decides what to do in Japan. In the West we would just call the police. In “The crime of S. Karma” we learn about the life of a insurance salesman who loses his identity to his business card. The story “Dendrocacalia” shares what it is like for a man who once a year transforms into a plant and the anguish he faces.



Standout stories include: “Record of a transformation” about the horror of war but not as you may think and “Intruders” which is simple but shockingly powerful in its reality, “The Bet” where an architect learns first hand the intricate requirements of a client by visiting his office which is just hilarious.



If you enjoy the work of Kobo Abe you will definitely enjoy this new collection of English language translated short stories.

Book Review – Beyond the Curve by Kobo Abe

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