The City of Yes

by Peter Oliva

Book by Oliva, Peter

Genres: Japan, Canada, Historical Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Allison L.]

I had a difficult time getting through this one. I guess it was because I couldn't really tell where the plot was going at all. I understand the author was aligning the narrator's experience in Japan with an explorer's historical experience of discovering Japan for himself... but it just didn't make a sound connection. I also really disliked the narrator's Occidental account of the Japanese culture (not to mention how he was pretty forceful with his japanese Student). Maybe there is supposed to be a message here like the narrator represents America's role in Japanese history? Otherwise I'm just not sure..

[Annette Power]

I picked this book because I liked the cover!! I found myself on an amazing journey to Japan. Very knowledgeable author!

[Sophia]

"Everything is fate," he said, shaking his head. "Nothing happens in this world without a reason. You'll see. History is a wheel. History is our front-tire rotation."

[Jerry Auld]

Beautiful language and metaphors. Oliva has a great eye for detail and for nailing the description. Character as well is so well done that you can recognize these people. But the overall structure seemed loose and pieced together, almost like a collection of diaries. I couldn't tell what the driving theme was, but I loved it otherwise.

[Carrie]

Two parallel stories of a present day Canadian in Japan to teach English, and a 19th century Canadian explorer who purposely shipwrecks in a Japan that is forbidden to strangers. Full of interesting and odd characters who tell vivid tales to illustrate subtle Japanese eccentricities.

[Amy McElroy]

EXCELLENT! beautiful characters brighten up this simple story of self discovery. An exciting and inpiring read!