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paul_cornelius's review against another edition
4.0
Yet another intriguing work on Japanese folklore and traditions from Lafcadio Hearn. Not quite as engaging as his Kwaidan volume but still fascinating. Interspersed among the "ghost tales" are essays on the history of incense in Japan, Japanese poetry, and Buddhist proverbs. What makes him so interesting to me, however, is that Hearn was writing during the 1890s and turn of the century on ancient Japanese social practices and beliefs. As such, his commentary is sprinkled with observations from his own time in Japan as well. Thus we get a sort of twofer with his books. Not only does he bring the ancient and medieval world of Japan to English readers, but he also brings us observations of another era of Japanese culture now lost to time, the Meiji era in which Hearn lived and wrote.
nnnaaattteeee's review against another edition
3.0
Lovely tales from Japan with a central supernatural theme. Laced throughout the various tales are bits of history that sometimes explains the beliefs, superstitions, or practices. Absolutely beautiful
arantxisimaa's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.0
naello's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
benjyman4's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
suria_go's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
claudia_marcela's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
joshualenzo_'s review against another edition
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
domislibrary's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful collection of Japanese folk tales. I found them quite interesting and did my own research on them. If you love the Japanese culture you may find this book very fascinating.