Recommendation and Requests

[Carol]

A GR friend recommended that I check out books written by Lafcadio Hearn also known as Koizume Yakumo). I am unfamiliar with him. After reading his bio, I’m on the fence, e.g., wondering whether I want to read his essays. Can anyone advise on whether his perspective is Western, Japanese or something else? Is there a work you enjoyed or recommend?

[Ian]

Hmmm... I find him to be a bit slow, but insightful and unique. I’m slowing reading a few of his works that were/maybe are free on Kindle.

I got to visit his museum and Home in Matsue last year and I have a few friends who absolutely love him.

He was certainly not Japanese, but became very much Japanese as time went on... so, depending on which era you read you may get a different feeling.

[Stephen]

Yes, I agree with Josh. I earnestly tried to read "Japan: An Interpretation" but it was simply not engaging. "Kwaidan" seems very popular, though.

[Carol]

Thanks, Josh and Stephen. I'll look for Kwaidan, perhaps, but I won't make a rush of it.

[Agnetta]

I read Japan : An interpretation.
I was quite enthusiastic about it myself as it gave me a lot of background about history , culture and religion in a very structured way. However, it is more a study-read then a relaxing read. So in that sense, just depends on what is your interest.

At that moment, I had little insight in Japan's history, therefore it was very helpful, especially to understand the religious background.
I do recommend it.

[Carol]

Agnetta wrote: "I read Japan : An interpretation.
I was quite enthusiastic about it myself as it gave me a lot of background about history , culture and religion in a very structured way. However, it is more a stu..."

Thank you, agnetta. That’s very helpful.

[Zak]

Hi all, first time commenting in this forum. I read Lafcadio Hearn's "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things" and didn't really take to it. Not sure how to explain this. It seemed more like he was telling the reader "about" old Japanese tales rather than telling the stories themselves, in a way that would immerse the reader in them. I thought I'd check out the book since I quite enjoyed the movie "Kwaidan", based on the title story, but apart from that, the rest of the stories in the book were pretty unremarkable. I think it's mostly the way they were presented. In comparison, I found Edogawa Rampo's "Japanese Tales of Mystery & Imagination" to be much better.

[Carol]

Zak wrote: "Hi all, first time commenting in this forum. I read Lafcadio Hearn's "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things" and didn't really take to it. Not sure how to explain this. It seemed more like..."

Zak, Your comment is particularly spot-on for me because I read Rampo's collection last week and was a bit disappointed. My expectations perhaps were too high, but I found the stories to be well-written but uninteresting. Like a well-sewn Brooks Brothers jacket. I wouldn't want to take a step down from that, in any event, and am seeking authenticity. Thanks again!

[Zak]

You're welcome, Carol. It's just my opinion though, I'm always wary of turning people away from any book, as it could just be a matter of different tastes. Re: Rampo, I thought the stories about the chair and the deformed guy were quite memorable.

[Carol]

Zak wrote: "You're welcome, Carol. It's just my opinion though, I'm always wary of turning people away from any book, as it could just be a matter of different tastes. Re: Rampo, I thought the stories about th..."

Memorable, yes :)

No worries on turning someone away. We’re all responsible adults here. Or at least, on my best days, I am one.

[Dioni]

I've been meaning to read Rampo, which I will do at some point. Good to have my expectation managed :)

[Carol]

Dioni (Bookie Mee) wrote: "I've been meaning to read Rampo, which I will do at some point. Good to have my expectation managed :)"

Yes, sorry, Dioni. Not boring or bad at any point, but a solid, unwavering 5-6 out of 10. It was a quick read, if that helps.

[Bill]

I've only read one collection by Lafcadio Hearn, and my impression was similar to Zak's.

For such tales, I recommend Royall Tyler's Japanese Tales https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

[Carol]

Bill wrote: "I've only read one collection by Lafcadio Hearn, and my impression was similar to Zak's.

For such tales, I recommend Royall Tyler's Japanese Tales https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6......"

Thank you, Bill. I’ll check it out.

[Zak]

Bill wrote: For such tales, I recommend Royall Tyler's Japanese Tales https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6......"

Thanks, Bill. It looks good.

[Jon]

Today at 2 pm ET:

Art and Commerce at Play: The Illustrated Book in Early Modern Japan

https://www.facebook.com/events/44781...

I think this is a re-cast of something previously presented in November 2021...

[Jay]

hello! I cant find it so I figured I’d ask here, does anyone know any websites where I could read the perfect crime by Mushitarō Oguri in English? I’d really like to read it