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Lafcadio Hearn In Japan, With Mrs. Lafcadio Hearn's Reminiscences by Yoné Noguchi, Setsu Hearn
alivegurl's review against another edition
4.0
Japan has always been a place short of dreamland for me. Everything about this country has always intrigued me so much. And it's so interesting to see it from a Westerner's eyes. I found out about Lafcadio Hearn through a non-fiction book about Asian stories written by Western writers, and I was quickly interested, because Hearn seems to fall hard for the country. I'd like to know how someone could fall that hard for a place. And so I purchased this book.
In truth, this book is a compilation of Lafcadio Hearn's past works—so technically it was written by him—but edited and prefaced by someone else (Donald Richie). Its publication feels more like a tribute to the late writer than anything else. The book is beautifully segmented into two big parts: the land and the people, in which each focuses only on either aspect of the country. They contain various stories that Hearn has heard or experienced while living in the Country of the Sun, which are quintessentially Japan, in which it contains various supernatural and cultural elements that will only make sense there.
Lafcadio's writing is very eloquent yet elaborate—with side notes to explain more about things that he's brought up—using the prosaic language of his time, which I personally find more beautiful than that of ours. He is very honest in his descriptions and opinions, sometimes being enchanted by the country, sometimes completely disillusioned by it. But it really shows how a Westerner can really see Japan, instead of what they want Japan to be. The only thing I don't particularly like is his spelling of Japanese words, which at times can look quite primitive—but understandable, since not many westerners of his time were probably familiar with the language. Personally, I find his works very interesting, because I've never read a recollection of Japan from the turn-of-the-century through a westerner's point-of-view.
Would highly recommend, if you want a culturally enriching yet significantly light read—especially if you're intrigued by Japan!
In truth, this book is a compilation of Lafcadio Hearn's past works—so technically it was written by him—but edited and prefaced by someone else (Donald Richie). Its publication feels more like a tribute to the late writer than anything else. The book is beautifully segmented into two big parts: the land and the people, in which each focuses only on either aspect of the country. They contain various stories that Hearn has heard or experienced while living in the Country of the Sun, which are quintessentially Japan, in which it contains various supernatural and cultural elements that will only make sense there.
Lafcadio's writing is very eloquent yet elaborate—with side notes to explain more about things that he's brought up—using the prosaic language of his time, which I personally find more beautiful than that of ours. He is very honest in his descriptions and opinions, sometimes being enchanted by the country, sometimes completely disillusioned by it. But it really shows how a Westerner can really see Japan, instead of what they want Japan to be. The only thing I don't particularly like is his spelling of Japanese words, which at times can look quite primitive—but understandable, since not many westerners of his time were probably familiar with the language. Personally, I find his works very interesting, because I've never read a recollection of Japan from the turn-of-the-century through a westerner's point-of-view.
Would highly recommend, if you want a culturally enriching yet significantly light read—especially if you're intrigued by Japan!
davidareyzaga's review against another edition
3.0
I found this volume at a bookstore in Japan. The idea of reading about Japan from the eyes of a foreigner who arrived and fell in love with the country seemed really interesting. Little did I know, I had found a text from one of the key figures in the exposition of Japanese culture to the West, a poster boy for cultural nationalism nowadays, and a problematic figure in Asian studies. Interpretations of Lafcadio's work are varied, but it doesn't make the texts any less delightful or surprising. I thoroughly enjoyed many of the chronicles from Lafcadio's experience in Matsue or the stories of the people he met along the way. It is also a beautiful way to study the history that other books won't cover, the more delicate and unexpected aspects of Japanese culture.
Overall, I had a great experience. Not all the texts got me, but those that did I'll remember fondly for many years. As an outsider who also enjoyes learning about Japanese culture, I got what I expected. As for the problematic aspects of Lafcadio's work overall, I don't think I have enough information to comment, so my review may come off as slightly ignorant. It is what it is. I think people outside Japan can enjoy this book, and develop an inclination for looking into more materials about Japanese culture and history. At least that's the case for me.
Overall, I had a great experience. Not all the texts got me, but those that did I'll remember fondly for many years. As an outsider who also enjoyes learning about Japanese culture, I got what I expected. As for the problematic aspects of Lafcadio's work overall, I don't think I have enough information to comment, so my review may come off as slightly ignorant. It is what it is. I think people outside Japan can enjoy this book, and develop an inclination for looking into more materials about Japanese culture and history. At least that's the case for me.
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