Book Review Lizard by Banana Yoshimoto

Book Review Lizard by Banana Yoshimoto

This book is a collection of six short stories including Newlywed, Lizard, Helix, Dreaming of Kimchee, Blood and Water, A strange tale from down by the river.

Although they are all separate stories one gets the impression from reading that they relate to the same characters even though this is not clearly stated that is the feeling you get. Like the writer was in the same mood and all the stories are somehow linked.  Translated from the Japanese by Ann Sherif we are lucky to get deep glimpses into the psyche of characters, people, places and events.

Favourie quotes

"She told me that she didn't have an aversion to people per se, but simply didn't want to see anyone else after hours. I knew how she felt"p33

"She seemed like a creature of a different species, one who lives quietly in the dark" p35

"the more she gave to others, the more she struggles. Her burden grew heavy by the day. This type of guilt is so fundamental" p41

"Like plants in a greenhouse, we depended on each other, but neither of us enjoyed the feelings of release or openness that one would wish from such a relationship" p43

"Akira didn't like dealing with people at all, so I did it for him" p102

"I am the only one in the world who knows what's best for me. I'm just here, deciding things I need to decide for myself" p113

"I might have been intimidated by his fastidiousness and fled" p130

"I feel like I need to shake you and tell you about the realities of marriage. It's not just some pretty dream, you know" p135

"But I sometimes got a craving for the weak coffee they served at the cafe in Aoyama" p147

A good read with quirky stories, characters and events. Banana Yoshimoto is a great writer who really captures the psyche of Japanese culture with her deep insights, reflections and detailed introspection of what makes people tick.

The number of working age Japanese hits an all time low according to the Nikkei

Picture: Japanese workers commuting in Tokyo

"The number of working-age Japanese stands at 74.23 million, a mere 59.5% of the total population -- an all-time low that reflects the aging of the country."



Source: Nikkei Asian Review, July 11, 2019
https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Foreigners-ease-labor-crunch-as-Japan-s-workforce-shrinks


#japan #demographics #workingage #trends #news #quote #statistics #japanesecustomers
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Book Review The Dark Room by Junnosuke Yoshiyuki

Book Review The Dark Room by Junnosuke Yoshiyuki

A man who has had a carefree life as a writer reflects deeply on his life after the death of his wife Keiko after a car accident cut short their marriage. He has had a string of women in his life since but none can fill the gap. 


Set in post-world war II Tokyo we get insights to the man’s life as a writer, his daily rituals, work briefs and his relationships with bosses and women. 


A friend Tsunoki approaches him and asks him to consider a manuscript about a diary of his encounters with women, he tries to reject the offer but slowly accepts. 


This book it seems is that manuscript and we gain details of his relationships with inn girls, Takako, Natsue and Maki who all have a place in his life but who he never invites home.

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Book Review The Dark Room by Junnosuke Yoshiyuki