Reviews

The Heredity of Taste by Natsume Sōseki, Sammy T. Tsunematsu, Stephen W. Kohl, Sammy I. Tsunematsu, Steven W. Kohl

kurenzhi's review

emotional funny slow-paced

3.75

Not Natsume Soseki's best, but even though this is a piece that was clearly written quickly, and the translation is shaky compared to the skill more contemporary translators are displaying of late, this is still a wonderful book full of sharp, surprisingly funny and resonant descriptions. It's also interesting to see Natsume Soseki attempt an anti-war novel, which is an atypically direct stance for him. Very much a worthy read.

moonscapist's review

3.0

Though the first and second chapter was beautifully written, especially that scene where Sōseki described in minute detail how the "enchanted gingko" leaves falling created a sense of calmness in the temple (I'm a sucker for an entire page or more of beautiful descriptions, sorry na), the last chapter ended abruptly, as if written in a hurry. (Well, this was written by Sōseki in just 8 days.) The author made it clear that he is not going to launch into a lengthy tale of "naunsiyaming pag-ibig" because of the annoying war, but I just felt disappointed while thinking of the many possibilities the war love story could have had in making the novella a more satisfying read. In short, nakakabitin.

March 18, 2020. 8:50 pm. Study table. Will sleep early tonight heart eyes emoji