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A review by chapterchatswithcaroline
Takeout Sushi by Christopher Green
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
The beautiful, bright blue cover of this book was so eye-catching that I couldn't resist requesting it. At the time, though, I wasn't expecting much beyond a few short stories set in Japan. However, as I delved into each story, I was glad I had made the right move in requesting it.
Takeout Sushi is a collection of 13 short stories showcasing the complexity of the city and interactions of an humans day-to-day life in Japan. The author, having lived in Japan for some time now, has precisely captured the essence of contemporary Japan and its people, penning each story in a witty manner along with a range of emotions. Each story was meaningful and carries a moral of some kind. The stories mainly focus on a variety of dynamics such as the relationship between husband and wife, boss and employee, the city and its citizens, etc. Additionally, the book includes 4 bonus stories from a different time and setting. This book also showcases some simple illustrations.
Though, I liked most of the stories, here is a glimpse into some of my favourites:
Swallow tells the story of a childless husband and wife who move into a new apartment, where swallows have built their nest. The wife finds comfort in seeing the swallows hatch and grow, but resistance from the husband brings the story to a practical end.
Burned was the most funniest story in the whole book and one of my favourites.This story teaches us never to iron clothes naked. Specially, if you're a man.
Spinning Wheels tells the story of a hardworking employee stripped of his managerial position and transferred to another department when the company decides to hire robots to improve efficiency. What happens next is a disaster, highlighting that robots can never truly replace humans.
Magpie Man is the story of a common office-goer who begins finding unique small lost objects on the road fallen from the pockets on commuters on their way to the station. Instead of returning the objects to the lost and found department, he ends up keeping it in a cookie box in his apartment, which eventually grows into a habit. But what happens in the end forces him to reflect on breaking this habit for good.
Henry Sparkles is another heart-touching story where an artist is called to serve at the Western Front and finds comfort in a sparrowhawk amidst the war.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from the author in future. Highly recommended if you like short stories and Japanese Lit.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers at Neem Tree Press and Author Christopher Green for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Takeout Sushi is a collection of 13 short stories showcasing the complexity of the city and interactions of an humans day-to-day life in Japan. The author, having lived in Japan for some time now, has precisely captured the essence of contemporary Japan and its people, penning each story in a witty manner along with a range of emotions. Each story was meaningful and carries a moral of some kind. The stories mainly focus on a variety of dynamics such as the relationship between husband and wife, boss and employee, the city and its citizens, etc. Additionally, the book includes 4 bonus stories from a different time and setting. This book also showcases some simple illustrations.
Though, I liked most of the stories, here is a glimpse into some of my favourites:
Swallow tells the story of a childless husband and wife who move into a new apartment, where swallows have built their nest. The wife finds comfort in seeing the swallows hatch and grow, but resistance from the husband brings the story to a practical end.
Burned was the most funniest story in the whole book and one of my favourites.This story teaches us never to iron clothes naked. Specially, if you're a man.
Spinning Wheels tells the story of a hardworking employee stripped of his managerial position and transferred to another department when the company decides to hire robots to improve efficiency. What happens next is a disaster, highlighting that robots can never truly replace humans.
Magpie Man is the story of a common office-goer who begins finding unique small lost objects on the road fallen from the pockets on commuters on their way to the station. Instead of returning the objects to the lost and found department, he ends up keeping it in a cookie box in his apartment, which eventually grows into a habit. But what happens in the end forces him to reflect on breaking this habit for good.
Henry Sparkles is another heart-touching story where an artist is called to serve at the Western Front and finds comfort in a sparrowhawk amidst the war.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from the author in future. Highly recommended if you like short stories and Japanese Lit.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers at Neem Tree Press and Author Christopher Green for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.