One Hundred and Eight Bells

by Jane Flory

Setsuko who lives in Tokyo is 12; her father is a printmaker and she hopes to be an artist although her mother says "she will go as far as the kitchen and no farther". She is willing but forgetful, as she does many chores. During the time spent with her here, not too much happens- her father gets a wonderful commission, her widowed aunt receives a proposal which should make her happier than it does, and Setsuko's talent is recognized and her hopes confirmed. But there are many graceful scenes and nice details of places, shops, school, food and flowers, etc. so that the story, while low-keyed, is never dull.

Genres: Japan

219 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

After achieving her degree from the Philadelphia College of Art, she worked as a free-lance writer and illustrator of children’s books. Flory was also employed as the director of evening division at Philadelphia College of Art for 16 years. Over her lifetime, Flory wrote and illustrated over 35 books for children, several of which were nominated for the Dorothy Canfield Fisher award.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Tokyo, Japan after the second World War, this is a tale about a twelve year old girl who wishes to be an artist someday. Hindering her though, is her mother’s adherence to the old traditions and Setsuko’s own tendency to be irresponsible and inattentive. She sets out to work harder at improving herself.

Along the way, you’ll meet family members and friends who are dear and memorable. You’ll also tag along for the New Year’s festivities - the food, decorations, clothing, and activities colorfully detailed.

Flory is a delightful storyteller… and now I need sushi!

Ages: 8 - 14

Content Considerations: a girl tells her mother rudely that she doesn’t want to do something but she does it. Mentions of Japanese customs, gods, visiting shrines, and traditions throughout; including a girl hearing the 108 bells of sins being rung and feeling freedom from her old life and able to start new.

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[Clara Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this gentle family story set in Japan several years after World War II. The main character, Setsuko, is the daughter of an artist and his dutiful wife. She has a nice older brother and a young widowed aunt also lives with them. I enjoyed the descriptions of neighborhood life, the foods, the noodle delivery boy who can balance all the noodle bowls so well, the calming bath where you could look out the tiny window to see the pine boughs and the stars in the sky, and so many other little details. I loved the trip that Setsuko took with her father to Kyoto and the beautiful Moss Garden they saw there. I loved Setsuko herself and identified so much with her dreamy, forgetful, artistic, Anne of Green Gables (without the fiery temper) type of character! Even though her mother especially can get a bit exasperated with her ways, in the end I agree with the family when they all tell her that they love her just the way she is. Every child (and adult) needs someone in their life who can say that. A sweet, descriptive and heartfelt story.