Books matching: post war japan
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- #1
Save:'The Devil?s Flute Murders' by Seishi Yokomizo is a Japanese crime fiction book set in postwar Japan in 1947, continuing its recovery. The story follows Detective Kosuke Kindaichi as he solves a locked room mystery cleverly, along with other inexplicable murders. The narrative includes an eerie devilish flute composition that plays whenever a murder occurs, adding to the suspense and intrigue of the plot. The book provides a glimpse into Japanese society after the war, exploring themes of social upheaval and the impact of wartime on the characters.
Private Detective Kosuke Kindaichi is portrayed as a scruffy but brilliant investigator, known for his unconventional methods and shabby appearance. The book features a large cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motives, adding complexity to the mystery. The writing style is reminiscent of the Golden Age mysteries, with descriptive phrasing and engaging plot twists that keep the readers hooked till the very end, culminating in a satisfying climax.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Kosuke Kindaichi ) - #2
Save:"An Artist of the Floating World" by Kazuo Ishiguro is a novel set in post-WWII Japan, following the story of Mr. Ono, a retired artist reflecting on his past political positions and actions. The narrative delves into themes of guilt, family dynamics, and societal changes as Ono grapples with the consequences of his past choices. The story is told through Ono's perspective, offering a glimpse into his present life and his recollections of the past, creating a fascinating exploration of a Japanese family navigating a society in transition.
The book is characterized by its beautifully written prose, intricate exploration of memory and legacy, and the complexities of self-perception. Through the lens of an unreliable narrator, Ishiguro weaves a tale of introspection and self-realization, as Ono confronts his own mistakes and struggles to come to terms with his past actions in a changing world.
If on a sunny day you climb the steep path leading up from the little wooden bridge still referred to around here as ‘the Bridge of Hesitation’, you will not have to walk far before the roof of my hou... - #3
Save:The book tells the story of a young Japanese woman who falls in love with an American sailor in the late 1950's. Despite familial pressure, she remains committed to her American lover and becomes pregnant. Set in both modern Midwest USA and Japan during the US occupation, the narrative weaves together the stories of the Japanese girl and an American journalist uncovering her father's past. The author skillfully intertwines the two time frames, shedding light on the challenges faced by mixed-race couples in a society with little tolerance for such unions.
The story delves into the cultural and societal norms of post-war Japan and America, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals caught between two worlds. Through poignant storytelling and well-developed characters, the author brings to life a heartbreaking yet compelling love story that spans generations, exploring themes of love, loss, discrimination, and the enduring impact of historical events on personal lives.
Even at night with half the staff, the Taussig Cancer Center ran as shipshape as its namesake. With Dr. Amon at the helm, I prayed my father could somehow weather the storm, but his lapsing health had... - #4
Save:Set in 1940s Japan, 'The Face of Another' by Kobo Abe tells the story of a scientist who suffers terrible facial injuries after a workplace accident. Alienated by society and even shunned by his wife, he painstakingly creates a lifelike mask to conceal his scars. Chronicling his return to society through notebooks and a letter to his wife, the narrative delves into insightful philosophies about literal and societal loss of face, along with detailed side journeys that explore the complexities of identity and self-perception.
The book is written in a diary format, providing a deep dive into the protagonist's psyche as he grapples with the implications of his disfigurement and the creation of a new identity through the mask. Abe's writing style is detailed and observational, offering sociological commentary and shifting points of view that provide a unique perspective on the concept of persona and the masks individuals wear in different social environments.
AT LAST you have come, threading your way through the endless passages of the maze. With the map you got from him, you have finally found your way to my hideaway—the first room at the top of the creak... - #5
Save:In "Fifty Words for Rain" by Asha Lemmie, the story follows Noriko Kamiza, a mixed-race child born in Japan in 1940, who is abandoned by her mother and left with her abusive grandparents. As Noriko navigates her difficult life in a traditional Japanese family, she finds solace in her half brother Akira, who teaches her to play the violin and tries to protect her. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, resilience, and the challenges faced by a biracial girl in post-WWII Japan.
The novel is written in a historical fiction style, offering a moving plot with elements of romance and heartbreak. While exploring Noriko's struggles as an unwanted child and her complex relationships within her family, the book also provides readers with a glimpse into the cultural norms and societal expectations of Japan during that era.
Nori almost welcomed the onset of the pain, knowing that it was the best of what was to come. First there was the tingling, like a little feather tapping out a jig on her skin. Then there was the slow... - #6
Save:'The Setting Sun' by Osamu Dazai is a short novel that delves into the life of Kazuko, a young noble woman facing the challenges of a post-war Japan. Struggling with financial difficulties and family issues, Kazuko finds herself at a crossroads, trying to navigate her changing world while grappling with personal demons. The narrative is written from Kazuko's perspective, incorporating journal entries and letters, creating an emotional impact that reflects the melancholy and pessimism of the era.
Dazai's writing style in 'The Setting Sun' is characterized by its use of flashback sequences, symbolism, and a first-person narrative that immerses the reader in Kazuko's struggles. Through the exploration of themes such as societal transition, family dynamics, and personal agency, the book offers a poignant portrayal of a society in flux and a protagonist striving to find her place amidst chaos.
Japanese in transcription is pronounced with the consonants as inEnglish and the vowels as in Italian. Thus, the name Naoji is pronounced nah-oh-jee.There is no marked stress accent, and one is safe i... - #7
Save:A True Novel by Minae Mizumura is a multi-layered narrative that intertwines the stories of various characters, exploring themes of love, tragedy, and social stratification in post-war Japan. The book follows a young Japanese man who becomes fascinated by the story of two elderly upper-class ladies and their experiences before and after World War II. Through a complex structure of storytelling, the novel delves into the history of Japan in the 20th century, the immigrant experience in America, and the nuances of intergenerational family sagas.
The novel is characterized by its intricate narrative within a narrative, vivid visual imagery, and detailed exploration of the lives of its characters. From the mysterious man Taro Azuma to the enigmatic relationships between the characters, A True Novel offers a captivating glimpse into a world filled with drama, vulnerability, and human emotion.
- #8
Save:'The Village of Eight Graves' by Seishi Yokomizo is a detective novel featuring Tatsuya Terada, who discovers his dark family history and a potential inheritance in a remote mountain village with a sinister past. As a series of poisonings and murders unfold, suspicion falls on Tatsuya, leading to the involvement of the brilliant yet unassuming detective Kosuke Kindaichi. The story is set in a small village with a dark history, intertwining personal backstories of the villagers to create a compelling and atmospheric plot filled with twists, secret passages, mysterious caves, gruesome murders, and a treasure hunt, reminiscent of classic Japanese detective novels.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Detective Kosuke Kindaichi ) 'Little Ship, Big War: the Saga of DE343' by Edward P. Stafford provides an excellent coverage of a destroyer escort's operations and trials during the closing years of World War II, following the ship's movements through campaigns for the Philippines and Okinawa. Stafford's writing style is well-researched, detailed, and informative, occasionally feeling like a day-to-day journal of life aboard a DE in the South Pacific. offers an insight into daily life aboard a workhorse destroyer escort, portraying it as a microcosm of the war and its civilian and professional sailors.
- #10
Save:'The Tattoo Murder Case' by Akimitsu Takagi is a classic Japanese locked room mystery set in postwar Japan. The story follows a series of murders connected to the tattoos of the victims, with the main character, Kenzo Matsushita, seeking help from his detective brother to solve the case. The book provides a glimpse into postwar Japanese society and culture, detailing the aftermath of World War II, the destruction in Tokyo, and the unique cultural aspects such as tattoo art and yakuzas. The plot unfolds with a mix of suspense, ambiguity, and a masterfully executed locked room mystery, offering an engaging read that combines elements of classic crime thrillers with a focus on Japanese customs and nuances.
It was the summer of 1947, and the citizens of Tokyo, already crushed with grief and shock over the loss of the war, were further debilitated by the languid heat. The city was ravaged. Seedy-looking s...
