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8797999's review against another edition
4.0
A very nice collection of short stories, some several pages long and others merely a page. Some very interesting themes amongst the stories, consistent with the rest of Kawabata's work.
Highly recommended for fans of his, a perfect book to dip in and out of when free time is few and far between.
Highly recommended for fans of his, a perfect book to dip in and out of when free time is few and far between.
nattynatchan's review against another edition
3.0
"Shoulder pressed to shoulder, they forgot the passage of time in the arrangement of the dragonfly jewels. The night grew late."
pauli_alarcon's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
zmorgason's review
dark
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Shrouded by the smoke of forest fires and flecked with tiny drops of the fiery autumn rain, Kawabata's short fiction will chill you to the bone. Each of the dozens of stories reflects on dynamics in nature and the evolving culture of Japan over the decades of the seasoned writer's career. Containing over 70 pieces that stretch from the early 20s to the year of Kawabata's suicide in 1972, it's difficult to summarize it as a single whole, but each title within is delicately crafted. By comparison to Snow Country, which feels sparse, the compact structures allow for more explosions of vibrant color and sensory detail, while retaining a consistent icy, gloomy tone that binds everything together. If you enjoy Kawabata's novels, microfiction in general, favor tragic romances, or are looking to delve into Japanese literature, this would make a sterling entrypoint for all of the above.
kilburnadam's review against another edition
5.0
Yasunari Kawabata's collection of concise and poignant stories spans his career, delving into themes of love, loneliness, and the passage of time. These miniature tales offer profound insights into the human condition. Through keen observation, Kawabata captures the innocence of childhood and the complexities of adult emotions. Each story encapsulates the essence of existence, highlighting the beauty and grandeur of life in its condensed form.
qwedsa123's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
spacestationtrustfund's review against another edition
3.0
Ici, la vie quotidienne de jeunes prostituées, pensionnaires d'une maison close dans une petite ville d'eaux, là : les errances intérieures d'une femme frigide ; mais aussi, les vicissitudes sentimentales d'un homme obsédé par l'image d'une morte. Trois récits, trois nouvelles qui se développent sur trois registres littéraires différents et qui témoignent des grandes orientations de l'œuvre de Kawabata. La subtile peinture des sentiments et des sensations dans Illusions de Cristal. La poésie et la palette colorée des saisons dans Les Servantes d'auberge (titulaire). Les tours inquiétants d'une passion étrange dans le Pourvoyeur de cadavres. Aussi ici (même traduction mais édition différente).
spacestationtrustfund's review against another edition
3.0
Montrez-moi votre âme en la posant sur la paume de ma main. Telle une boule de cristal. Et moi, je la dessinerai avec mes mots...Petites nouvelles. On peut certes les lire comme des fables. Une jeune femme, dans une soif infinie d'amour, veut devenir l'exacte réplique de l'être aimé. Deux amoureux, que la mort a enfin réunis, vont dialoguer et joindre leurs voix. Une jeune mariée succombe à l'instant où son époux se met à prier pour elle. Des vieillards nourrissent une couvée d'oiseaux sauvages, et dans leur geste renaissent la beauté, le rituel, la gravité du Japon d'autrefois. Mais la simplicité et la transparence de ces récits cachent bien des abîmes. Aussi ici (même traduction mais édition différente).