Scan barcode
theunwelcometagalongs's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lshered's review
4.0
When I Whistle has one of the most original plots I have read in a long time. This novel explores a loss of youth, war, medical malpractice, and ultimately the human connections made under these circumstances. Endō thrives in his character development. Characters like Flatfish and Ozu were immensely interesting to unravel.
Early on in the book when each chapter switched between Ozu and Eiichi’s perspectives, I did find myself caring more about one plot line compared to the other. However, the way the plots diverged and developed into something so cohesive (and rather devastating) was nothing short of incredibly satisfying. I find myself filled with emotion upon finishing this book, and it will certainly be on my mind for a while.
Early on in the book when each chapter switched between Ozu and Eiichi’s perspectives, I did find myself caring more about one plot line compared to the other. However, the way the plots diverged and developed into something so cohesive (and rather devastating) was nothing short of incredibly satisfying. I find myself filled with emotion upon finishing this book, and it will certainly be on my mind for a while.
rasmussimmermann's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
booksofmeandyou's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ben_smitty's review against another edition
4.0
This novel of nostalgia has elements in it that are different from Endo's other works, especially since the Christian element is missing. Still, the contrast Endo creates between the pre- and post-war generation is intriguing; it seems that Endo captures the spirit of modernity well through the characters' psychological scarcity and Machiavellian attitude. He also writes about the dread of old age and the nostalgia that accompanies it, which is another major theme in many of his later novels.
Did I enjoy the novel? I appreciated Endo's attempt to write about something different, but the book lacks the passion and life inherent in his other works. Catholicism runs deep in his blood, and it's almost awkward to read a work that's missing something so dear to him.
Did I enjoy the novel? I appreciated Endo's attempt to write about something different, but the book lacks the passion and life inherent in his other works. Catholicism runs deep in his blood, and it's almost awkward to read a work that's missing something so dear to him.
hem's review against another edition
4.0
Not nearly as good as Silence, but very different. It felt modern, yet it was not repulsive. It deals with problems and brokenness head-on, but doesn't justify them. Nice rhythm... I liked it.
emmkayt's review against another edition
4.0
Earlier this year, I read Silence, and when I came across another Endo I was eager to check it out. When I Whistle alternates between the stories of a man and his son. Ozu is now a middle-aged under-achiever in post-war Japan. He is prompted to reminisce about a friendship in his youth just before and during the Second World War. Ozu's son Eiichi is a ruthlessly self-promoting young physician, resentful of his father's inability to assist him in fulfilling his ambitions. The translation is periodically a bit awkward (e.g. the occasional attempts at a colloquial 'ain't'). The novel, however, was well worth reading.
heat_her's review against another edition
4.0
The story in When I Whistle alternates between the present–in which Ozu and his son are constantly at odds because of the differences in their values–and Ozu’s past. While Ozu’s son is busy working and scheming about ways to make himself a name in the hospital where he works, Ozu has been reminded of his past and can’t stop thinking about Flatfish, his best childhood friend. By telling the story using two different threads, Endo is able to highlight the chasm that exists between two generations in Japan: that of Ozu, which was largely shaped by World War II; and that of Ozu’s son, a generation that doesn’t seem to take seriously the values of integrity, close relationships, or looking out for one another.
Read more...
Read more...
dngoldman's review against another edition
4.0
11.17
I had not heard of Endo before seeing this book at a local bookstore. I don’t know what made me pick up the book, but I’m glad I did. Endo is in the canon of modern Japanese not novelists , and a Japanese friend tells me he’s standard reading for students. I can see why.
Endo is an extremely clear, direct writer, and his flat style (I mean this as a compliment) allows the intensity of the psychological, social, and moreal delemias full range with ever descending into being maudlin or overwrought. I look forward to reading his other works.
This novel focus on two related stories - the first focus on two boys in their last year of high school (Ozo and his odd friend Flatfish) at the dawn of Japan’s involvement in WWII and the other other on Ozo’s son (a young doctor) well after the war ends. The stories connect when the girl of Flatfish’s teen infatuation because a patient in the son’s ward. The novel bristles with subtle and often ambiguous moral issues. Some of the main themes include:
* The difference between pre and post War II Japan. Pre- simple, rural, stern, nationalistic; post- modern, sophisticated, materialistic. It’s Both are striving, and ruthless in a way. The post materialism and nihilism of the son does not compare favorable with the pre-war simplicity. Yet, the novel is not nostalgic.
* Endo construct the novel’s two parts as parallels. The first, Flatfish will do anything to will Akio and the Son for this bosses daughter. Neither is real love, but Flatfish’s is based on sweet naiveté while the son’s is is purely gain success.
* Why the memory certain events and people stay with us and remain poignant.
* The novel brims with the small decisions we make the impact they have on others and the longer term impact on ourselves.
I had not heard of Endo before seeing this book at a local bookstore. I don’t know what made me pick up the book, but I’m glad I did. Endo is in the canon of modern Japanese not novelists , and a Japanese friend tells me he’s standard reading for students. I can see why.
Endo is an extremely clear, direct writer, and his flat style (I mean this as a compliment) allows the intensity of the psychological, social, and moreal delemias full range with ever descending into being maudlin or overwrought. I look forward to reading his other works.
This novel focus on two related stories - the first focus on two boys in their last year of high school (Ozo and his odd friend Flatfish) at the dawn of Japan’s involvement in WWII and the other other on Ozo’s son (a young doctor) well after the war ends. The stories connect when the girl of Flatfish’s teen infatuation because a patient in the son’s ward. The novel bristles with subtle and often ambiguous moral issues. Some of the main themes include:
* The difference between pre and post War II Japan. Pre- simple, rural, stern, nationalistic; post- modern, sophisticated, materialistic. It’s Both are striving, and ruthless in a way. The post materialism and nihilism of the son does not compare favorable with the pre-war simplicity. Yet, the novel is not nostalgic.
* Endo construct the novel’s two parts as parallels. The first, Flatfish will do anything to will Akio and the Son for this bosses daughter. Neither is real love, but Flatfish’s is based on sweet naiveté while the son’s is is purely gain success.
* Why the memory certain events and people stay with us and remain poignant.
* The novel brims with the small decisions we make the impact they have on others and the longer term impact on ourselves.
More...