Book Review The Kingdom by Fuminori Nakamura

Book Review 

The Kingdom by Fuminori Nakamura

This book is the sequel to his earlier book "The Thief" which was written from the male perspective whereas this book is written from the female perspective which is a great twist. The storylines are similar in that they are both set in Tokyo but characters and plot are very diferent.

One of the best things about Fuminori's writing is that he does not use cliches and builds unique blocks to build up and change story movements. There is no way to guess what is coming.

Symbolic references to the moon, fate and superstition standout as do the themes of darkness and abandonment.

We learn about the life, times and friends of Yurika a freelancer in the Tokyo underworld.

Authentic, fast paced and keeps you entertained until the end.

It would be great to see some of Fuminori's books made into movies in the future!

First book in the series

The second book in the series

Other books by Fuminori Nakamura

the kingdom, the thief, fuminori, nakamura, book review, japanese literature

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






© Copyright. JApaneseCustomer.com, 2016. All rights reserved,






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

japan, japanese, literature, book review, diary of a mad old man, junichiro tanizaki, #japan, #culture, ##japanese, #literature

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



© Copyright. JapaneseCustomer.com, 2016. All rights reserved,

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

Book Review, The Buddha Tree, Fumio Niwa, japan, japanese, consumer, customer, @jcustomers, www.japanesecustomer.com, japanese literature, novel, #japan, #japanese, #literature, #customer, #review