Firstly, thank you to Jackie for delicious little eats - receipes for which will be put up on the blog later. What a fabulous kitchen and we were very happy to christen it for you!
We did manage to discuss the book a bit! The literal translation of the Japanese script of the title of this book is Woman Uphill - which we thought would better describe the struggle of Tomo's life. None of the characters are particularly endearing, the claustrophobia of the life of a Japanese woman, the restrictions of the culture, the harshness and loneliness of her life. Tomo's only control was the selection of the initial concubine for her husband. There was a deep sadness and overwhelming feeling of defeat in the book. It is hard for us to perhaps appreciate the pervasive feudalism and the paternalism of the type of society that Japan was and perhaps still is. The book took the author 8 years to write. She wanted to craft a carefully observed and skilfully written book. The translation is good, but perhaps some of they lyricism of the phrasing is missing. Japanese life is carefully depicted and illustrated. The suppressing of emotions and the saving of face apparent in everyone's actions. We found this an interesting and engaging book, even if not uplifting.
We did manage to discuss the book a bit! The literal translation of the Japanese script of the title of this book is Woman Uphill - which we thought would better describe the struggle of Tomo's life. None of the characters are particularly endearing, the claustrophobia of the life of a Japanese woman, the restrictions of the culture, the harshness and loneliness of her life. Tomo's only control was the selection of the initial concubine for her husband. There was a deep sadness and overwhelming feeling of defeat in the book. It is hard for us to perhaps appreciate the pervasive feudalism and the paternalism of the type of society that Japan was and perhaps still is. The book took the author 8 years to write. She wanted to craft a carefully observed and skilfully written book. The translation is good, but perhaps some of they lyricism of the phrasing is missing. Japanese life is carefully depicted and illustrated. The suppressing of emotions and the saving of face apparent in everyone's actions. We found this an interesting and engaging book, even if not uplifting.
Words used to describe it: tragic, 'dump me in the water', Oriental, informative, subtle repression, different culture. Marks out of 10 between 8 and one 10!! So highly marked from all of us.
Next Book
Fear of Flying by Erica Jong (chosen by Chrissie)
Venue
73 Finaly St - Giles to chose the next book
Thursday 10th November
Thursday 10th November
