for translated and literary fiction
Hopefully, by now, all of us who set out to read this book have finished, for there are so many intriguing things to discuss. I am setting forth some questions that occurred to me as I read, to which I do not readily have a clear answer. I would relish an opinion from you should… Continue reading The Makioka Sisters Read-along: Final Discussion
By the very end of Book II, Itakura has died; we know, at the very least that Taeko will not end up with him. But, the focus has already shifted back to Yukiko, and we see yet another attempt at finding a suitor for her as Book III opens. It is around this theme, finding… Continue reading The Makioka Sisters Read-along: Book Three
Book Two begins with the awareness that Okubata’s favor is resting lightly on Taeko’s heart. Whereas once they had tried to elope together, and created a scandal which even the newspaper picked up, now their relationship seems significantly cooled, at least on Taeko’s part. She tells her sisters that she wishes to learn sewing, to… Continue reading The Makioka Sisters Read-along: Book Two
I never expected to be so enchanted with The Makioka Sisters. Every year, it seems, someone participating in the Japanese Literature Challenge either reads it, or mentions it, and yet I have not begun it until this year. Surely this is one of the ways that blogging enriches our reading: by sharing what we have… Continue reading The Makioka Sisters Read-along: Book One
Here is my edition of The Makioka Sisters by Juni’chiro Tanizaki, lying in wait on my piano with a few origami doves I folded years ago. March does not begin until Sunday, but as some of you are as anxious to begin as I, let us lay out a few thoughts on how to proceed.… Continue reading The Makioka Sisters Read-along for March
Books Read in 2020: ~January~ The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern The Library Book by Susan Orlean The Aosawa Murders by Riku Onda, translated from the Japanese by Alison Watts (Japanese Literature Challenge 13) On The Bus in the Rain by Haruka Kimura (JLC13) The Dancing Girl of Izu by Yasunari Kawabata (JLC13/Deal Me In… Continue reading Books Read In 2020
I have only read 70 books in 2020, and none in December, which surprises me because it was a perfect year to read as there was so little else to do. As one of my friends said to me, when the pandemic first began, “Quarantine is an introvert’s paradise.” Yet, I found myself involved in… Continue reading The Year in Reading: 2020 Wrap Up
Now it is January; now we officially begin the Japanese Literature Challenge 13. If you are participating this year, here are the few guidelines: The Challenge runs from January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020 In March, there will be a read along of The Makioka Sisters for those who are interested. Read and review… Continue reading Welcome to the Japanese Literature Challenge 13!
One of the greatest joys of blogging, for me, is the opportunity to share Japanese literature with one another. Judging by the inquiries I begin receiving in November and December, it appears that many bloggers who remember it, as well as some who have heard of it, are also eager to begin again. The idea… Continue reading It’s time to begin thinking about the Japanese Literature Challenge 13
The welcome post is here. Reviews to books: Edith’s Miscellany: My List Mae’s Food Blog: A Midsummer’s Equation by Keigo Higashino Parrish Lantern: Black Rain by Masuji Ibuse Edith’s Miscellany: The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura Mae’s Food Blog: A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami Edith’s Miscellany: The Restaurant of Love Regained by Ogawa Ito… Continue reading Japanese Literature Challenge 10
