Carey's Reading Notes

Berlin Ha Hareteiruka (2018) by Nowaki Fukamidori Korean translation of the Japanese novel I learned so much about the aftermath of World War II from this story told from the German perspective. I liked how the mystery was woven through stories told from the point of view of a young German girl. It definitely is a long book, so it requires some dedication but the surprise ending is a nice reward. It was interesting to me, simply to read a Japanese author's interpretation of how the common German civilian may have experienced the senseless destruction that was the WWII.

Sukima Warashi (2020) by Riku Onda Korean translation of the Japanese novel This was my favourite among the three books I read in a row. Told from the perspective of a young chef with a 'special talent' for drawing meaning from old objects, this book taught me things about Japanese antiques, modern art and how, in the age when old things are being replaced by the new, some things are still lovingly repurposed and given a new life. There is a feeling of delicate lightness that runs through the narrative that is refreshing.

Warui Usagi (2001) by Wakatake Nanami Korean translation of the Japanese novel I appreciated the bad-ass female detective story. Set in modern-day Tokyo, the book reveals inequities that still exist between the rich and the poor, and the senseless violence that can result when the deranged machismo among powerful men is unleashed against the weak and innocent "rabbits" in society. Nonetheless, I was heart-warmed by the kindness of coworkers, landlords and friends that are easily imaginable in the gentleness of people I experienced in Japan. For the most part, I was engrossed by the novel all the way through.