I missed out on Dolce Bellezza‘s Japanese Literature Challenge last year but I wanted to try it this year. So here I am jumping in right as the challenge is about to start.
I remember a few years ago one of my book groups seemed to be on a big Japanese literature kick and we read books by Haruki Murakami, Kenzaburo Oe, Junichiro Tanizaki and several others. It was fascinating to read about Japan so I’m looking forward to revisiting this country via its authors again.
Starting July 30, 2008 through January 30, 2009 the goal is to read three books (any genre). I haven’t come up with my final list yet but these are some books that I’m contemplating (and are books from my stacks):
- Out by Natsuo Kirino. I actually tried to read this book a couple of years ago but I was definitely not in the mood for something so dark at the time so I put it aside. It’d be great to finally read it.
- The Ruined Map by Kobo Abe. This is supposed to be a mesmerizing crime novel.
- Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima. My book group read this one and I think everyone raved about it so I expect it will be a good one.
- On Parole by Akira Yoshimura. I read his book Shipwrecks and it was one of those books that I couldn’t stop thinking about afterward so I have great expectations of this one.
I also have books by Haruki Murakami and Banana Yoshimoto on other challenges so who knows maybe I end up combining some challenge books. Anyway I think this will be great fun!
I wish I can participate in this challenge but I’m so behind on my other challenges!
I’ve not heard of the books you listed except Out. I heard that’s a good one although I haven’t read it yet. I’ll look forward to reading all your reviews. 🙂
I saw this go around last year and was intrigued by it, but I don’t think I’d manage more than one book this summer/autumn. Still, I’m interested to know what bloggers enjoy as I have never read ANY Japanese literature at all!
I just joined and it’s so far my only challenge this year (after last year’s hectic failure). I’ve read some novels about Japan written by Western writers and of course loved the first 3 books in the Otori series, set in a reimagined ancient Japan. I also have lots of these kind of books waiting around (4th Otori book for starters) but no books written by Japanese authors. I’m thinking of reading a Marukami title but besides that I’m not sure yet.
Wish I had time for this challenge, but you’ve provided me some great book suggestions. Thanks!
Yay! You joined! 🙂
The Ruined Map does sound very good! And I know you’ve mentioned before how much you liked Shipwrecks. Hopefully I’ll get around to it this year. I also have Spring Snow. Seeing everyone’s lists just makes me feel overwhelmed with all the Japanese Lit I have yet to read!
Great books. I am not joining this year, because I have too much in my stacks as it is. Boo Hoo.
Sounds like another good challenge. Might just have to add some of these to my stacks!
Mishima is a difficult author for me, he has so much going on in his mind. I just picked up this book called The Teahouse Fire, which sets in Kyoto. It sounds very interesting.
Iliana, I’m so glad you’re in!
Melody – I’m so behind on my challenges too but oh well. And, I’m still thinking of joining a few others. Shameless I tell you 🙂
Litlove – Some of these challenges are just so tempting aren’t they? And, really you’ve not read any Japanese literature? Well, at least you know there are some good stories waiting for you! 🙂
Jodie – yay, so glad you joined too. If you want a Murakami recommendation I suggest Sputnik Sweetheart. I loved that book. I’ve not read any of the Otori books.. I need to go check those out and see what they are about.
Anna – I know, there’s just not enough time for all the challenges right? Well, I hope you do get to check out some of these authors. I always recommend Murakami. The Shipwrecks book was haunting so I would recommend that one as well.
tanabata – I couldn’t resist! 🙂 Someone told me that Abe was “difficult” though… Hmm, maybe it’s just not a “traditional” crime story. I will try to go in with an open mind.
Isabel – You aren’t joining? C’mon do it! Just kidding.. I know you are busy with some other challenges too and your own stacks. I think I’ll fail with a lot of my challenges but oh well. It’s still fun.
Christine – Why do people keep coming up with such great challenges right? 🙂
Matt – Really? I think I picked up Spring Snow once but at the time I was going through a lot of stuff so I quickly put it away for a much lighter read. I wonder what I’ve gotten myself into – haha… The Teahouse Fire sounds familiar. Let me know what you think of it.
Bellezza – Thank you! I’m so glad I’m joining this time around too!
This sounds like a fun challenge. If I could start it in the past, say, a month ago, I could count Sei Shonagon’s Pillow Book!
I’m so excited about this challenge. I haven’t read any of the books you listed, but I look forward to your reviews. I bet that by the end of the challenge my wishlist will be full of new additions!
Hey, there Iliana!
I love the Japanese challenge you’re participating in. I would highly recommend Ruth Ozeki’s MY YEAR OF MEATS. For those not familiar with Japanese lit, it may be a nice way to ease into it. The author is a Japanese-American documentary filmmaker, as is her lead character. When she is invited to Japan to participate in a project, she offers the perspective of a Westerner coupled with the inherited belief system of Japan. I loved this book!! 🙂
~Lisa
This sounds like fun. I have Natsuo Kirino’s new book ready to read (Grotesque) and I see she has yet another one due to be released as well. Have fun with this. Maybe I’ll try and read one book as well.
Dorothy W. – We won’t tell so I think you could still join 🙂
Nymeth – I know, after the challenges my wish list explodes! Especially if it’s a challenge where we read books in a genre I’m not very familiar with – then it’s like I have a whole new world to explore!
Lisa – Oh I remember when that book came out and I wanted to read it but you know how it is. Thank you for reminding me about it. I’ll have to look for it – sounds good!
Danielle – You liked Out didn’t you? I remember I was liking it but it felt very “real” and it was starting to freak me out a bit – maybe I shouldn’t have read it at night! ha,ha…
Wahhh! I just saw this now and missed the challenge. I love love love Japanese novels. I’ll just make my own list from the other participants and eagerly await all the reviews. I’ve read Out by Kirino more than 3 years ago but it remains so powerful in my mind – it’s definitely a must read. And the only Murakami I think I haven’t read is After Dark. 🙂