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giter161's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most marvelous short story collections I’ve ever read! Unlike most short story collections Matsuda’s characters show up in one another’s stories sometimes as the narrator themselves or as one line in a news bulletin. I went in to this book expecting creepy ghost stories and had neglected to remember Japanese ghosts are often playful, mischievous creatures. This is most certainly the latter but with a hysterical flair Matsuda not just reimagines the trope of the malevolent female ghost but turns it entirely on its head. Laugh out loud funny, thoughtful and wholly subversive of the characterization of women in most Japanese literature Aoko Matsuda is top of my list of authors to watch for their next book!
ifyouhappentoremember's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this was a clever interpretation of Japanese folklore, specifically of Kaidan (a Japanese ghost story). It reminded me of [b: Once and Forever|721863|Once and Forever|Kenji Miyazawa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1177628395l/721863._SY75_.jpg|708102] by Kenji Miyazawa, although Once and Forever is more of original short stories inspired by Japanese folklore tropes whereas Where the Wild Ladies Are is more of a reimagining/different interpretation of Japanese folklore. I was familiar with most of the folklore referenced and I enjoyed how they intersected with modern Japanese life. I also really liked that all of the short stories were connected in some way. They all share a universe, the mundane and the strange living side by side, as it is in the folktales.
I am so curious how this collection would be interpreted by someone unfamiliar with the referenced folktale. I do not know how it would affect someone's enjoyment; it may be dependent upon how familiar a reader would be with folktales in general (some tropes just make an appearance in practically every culture). Personally, I think a reader unfamiliar with Kaidan would be missing a key component. The stories Matsuda draws from are very famous and have vastly influenced Japanese culture. To see these characters and stories in a new but familiar light is part of the enjoyment.
I am so curious how this collection would be interpreted by someone unfamiliar with the referenced folktale. I do not know how it would affect someone's enjoyment; it may be dependent upon how familiar a reader would be with folktales in general (some tropes just make an appearance in practically every culture). Personally, I think a reader unfamiliar with Kaidan would be missing a key component. The stories Matsuda draws from are very famous and have vastly influenced Japanese culture. To see these characters and stories in a new but familiar light is part of the enjoyment.
catlady_69's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
midnighttbr's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
auroraboringallofus's review against another edition
4.0
Joyful and unexpected! I found myself grinning my head off and I couldn't put my finger on why, exactly. It's self-assured and wise.
marrsia's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
rachel_smrt's review against another edition
4.0
Super fun! Contemporary stories full of ornery women and wacky ghosts that weave in Japanese folktales. Matsuda includes the folktales at the end so you can see what inspired each story. Funny and weird and worth a read.
belladonna230622's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a beautiful retelling of famous Japanese stories and plays, putting them in a modern light. It was also really cool to see all of the stories slowly link together.
I really enjoyed seeing all of the different characters and learning their personalities. It also introduced me to stories that I didn’t know before, so you don’t really need full knowledge of the stories before reading them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Japan or folklore. It was such a fun read.
I really enjoyed seeing all of the different characters and learning their personalities. It also introduced me to stories that I didn’t know before, so you don’t really need full knowledge of the stories before reading them.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Japan or folklore. It was such a fun read.
vinginoa's review against another edition
3.0
It was nice to result some hopeful ghost stories. The feminist take was refreshing and I really admired Mr. Tei’s respect for the women ghosts rather than other ghost stories that fear and resent spirits, especially since most of the female ghosts have died at the hands of men.
I enjoyed this book once I understood the story telling method! Some stories seemed to ramble and maybe it’s because I lacked the cultural context to understand the significance.
I enjoyed this book once I understood the story telling method! Some stories seemed to ramble and maybe it’s because I lacked the cultural context to understand the significance.