J. J. (now on BookWyrm) > Recent Status Updates

An awesome cross-cutting of storylines, themes, visual art and styles of storytelling.

While the "Rashomon effect" gets its name from the film, the plot is nearly identical to the short story *In a Bamboo Grove.* I'm enjoying these gripping stories from Akutagawa!

Rashomon (trans. outer castle gate) is one of Akutagawa's earliest works, from 1915, and also depicts the earliest setting in this collection. It's a very short story, and doesn't provide the plot of the 1950 film—just the framing device, literally. This collection has a good introduction and notes for each story. Looking forward to reading them all!

Excited to receive an advance copy of this legendary novel by the late Jin Yong. First time to be translated in English!

Excited to receive an advance copy of this legendary novel by the late Jin Yong. First time to be translated in English!

“I could not fail myself and die on a fish like this," he said. "Now that I have him coming so beautifully, God help me endure. I'll say a hundred Our Fathers and a hundred Hail Marys. But I cannot say them now.

“Consider them said, he thought. I'll say them later.”

The first stars were out. He did not know the name of Rigel but he saw it and knew soon they would all be out and he would have all his distant friends.

"The fish is my friend too," he said aloud. "I have never seen or heard of such a fish. But I must kill him. I am glad we do not have to try to kill the stars.”