Tokyo Ueno Station in Around the World in 80 Books

Apr 19, 2020 Beverly rated it really liked it

Shelves: translation, historical-fiction, contemporary, japan, subscription-book, bev-rwc-2020, newtome2020

thoughts to come shortly

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May 17, 2021 superawesomekt rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: in-translation, literary-fiction

Don't be fooled by the colorful pop-art cover—this book is a funeral dirge pared down to and delivered to the reader as a delicate haiku. Is Kazu more invisible as a ghost or as a homeless man? This reader found the edges blurred often and with depressingly great effect as Kazu's timeless (though usually time-stamped) memories and impressions share his history and literal haunts.

The imagery of roses, rain, collected cans, ginkgo leaves, tarps and trains make this a very textured, though quiet s ...more

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Jan 11, 2021 Ann rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021-aty-52

It's a strong story about class; a man who lived a life that's a parallel to the Imperial prince's but not as lucky. It was like listening to an old man reminiscing - non-linear narrative, irrelevant side stories, eavesdropping, super focused on some mundane details but at least I learned about types of roses and Pure Land Buddhism. ...more

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Jun 13, 2021 Rongrong rated it liked it

Shelves: 2021-finished

I looked up some of the monuments described. Some parts read like a travel guide to Ueno Park. Some parts felt like I was standing there, unable not to casually overhear the conversation of strangers as I wandered through an exhibit or down a path. Mournful? Detached? Strange? Resigned?

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