helsa's review against another edition
4.0
What a beautiful and breathtaking piece of literature! This is definitely my favourite Kawabata's novel, as it combines a very lyrical, poetic storytelling with tender dynamics and likeable set of characters :D
Compared with Kawabata's other work, where one might dwell in the atmospheric and metaphorical nature of his characters' conversations, here is a novel where the intrigue is not the centre-piece of novel. Rather, the Kyoto city itself is the heart and the main character of the story itself. Steeped in rich depiction of Kyoto merchant-class society customs, traditions, environment and cultural events, readers will have an immersive experience and full rendering of what it feels like living in the Middle age of Kyoto.
The plot is quite straightforward, especially for a Kawabata piece, no love-triangles or forbidden relationship, it tells a simple story of a young Chieko, who was raised by a kimono-tailor family. She found out that she was an adopted child, and met her twin sister, Naeko, in nearby outskirt of the city. While they've just met, both sisters quickly devoted their loyalty and care to one and another – a very tender and sweet relationship really.
This discovery made Chieko's heart stir however, how much did her parents know about this, and will they accept Naeko as their daughter as well? Aside that, and there's also a sub-plot about a number of suitors who are all vying for Chieko's affections, but thankfully this was thread carefully, and never overtaking the main story away from the core.
Partly a celebration and love letter to the old Capital (Kyoto), partly a coming-of-age story and heartwarming tale of a Japanese family, this novel is sure a comfort read to those who long for another visit to Kyoto (like me!) or those who wants to enjoy an immersive dive to Japanese culture while also pondering about what truly defines a family.
Compared with Kawabata's other work, where one might dwell in the atmospheric and metaphorical nature of his characters' conversations, here is a novel where the intrigue is not the centre-piece of novel. Rather, the Kyoto city itself is the heart and the main character of the story itself. Steeped in rich depiction of Kyoto merchant-class society customs, traditions, environment and cultural events, readers will have an immersive experience and full rendering of what it feels like living in the Middle age of Kyoto.
The plot is quite straightforward, especially for a Kawabata piece, no love-triangles or forbidden relationship, it tells a simple story of a young Chieko, who was raised by a kimono-tailor family. She found out that she was an adopted child, and met her twin sister, Naeko, in nearby outskirt of the city. While they've just met, both sisters quickly devoted their loyalty and care to one and another – a very tender and sweet relationship really.
This discovery made Chieko's heart stir however, how much did her parents know about this, and will they accept Naeko as their daughter as well? Aside that, and there's also a sub-plot about a number of suitors who are all vying for Chieko's affections, but thankfully this was thread carefully, and never overtaking the main story away from the core.
Partly a celebration and love letter to the old Capital (Kyoto), partly a coming-of-age story and heartwarming tale of a Japanese family, this novel is sure a comfort read to those who long for another visit to Kyoto (like me!) or those who wants to enjoy an immersive dive to Japanese culture while also pondering about what truly defines a family.
sofi_dlms's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
shuchipt's review against another edition
4.0
“These are for you. Come again . . . please.”
Naeko shook her head. Chieko stood for a long while against the red lattice door, watching as Naeko walked away. Naeko did not look back. A few delicate snowflakes fell on Chieko’s hair, then vanished. The town was as it should be, still silent in sleep.
Naeko shook her head. Chieko stood for a long while against the red lattice door, watching as Naeko walked away. Naeko did not look back. A few delicate snowflakes fell on Chieko’s hair, then vanished. The town was as it should be, still silent in sleep.
forever_rain's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
juniperusxx's review against another edition
4.0
Tämä kirja on hautautunut turhan pitkäksi aikaa lukupinoon, sillä tämä oli kaunis ja vahvatunnelmainen kirja. Sanoisinko jotenkin japanilainen. Luonto nousi merkityksellisenä esiin ja loi visuaalisen tunnelman lukijalle. Mielenkiintoista oli lukea myös japanilaisista juhlista ja seremonioista. Loppu jäi avoimeksi sellaisella tavalla, joka sopi kirjan tunnelmaan.
kmarion's review against another edition
4.0
This was the most japanese book I have ever read - it was very beautiful, a little strange but I enjoyed the experience very much.
mc_talero17's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0