Kokoro

If you don't know this novel or it's author, Natsume Soseki, then read this tremendous novel. Soseki was born in Tokyo in 1867, one year before Japan entered the Meiji period. He is considered to be the first "modern" Japanese novelist. What does this mean? In his forward to another Soseki novel, SANSHIRO, the author Haruki Murakami writes: "Most of his protagonists face real-life contradictions. They experience anguish over how they ought to live, and are confronted with real-life decisions that are being forced upon them. They struggle earnestly to find where they stand amid the competing demands of the pre-modern and the modern, between love and morality, between the West and Japan." The novel focuses on the relationship between two men: one older and one recently graduated from university, making his way in the world for the first time. Sensei, as the younger man refers to his older friend, is a product of a different time. And unlike his older friend, the younger man is entering a period of Japanese ascension towards a more modern way of living. How riveting is this novel, and how masterful a storyteller is Soseki? Consider this: more than half the novel, a full half, is in the form of a letter from one party to another. And for the entire time I read this riveting epistolary portion of the novel, I could not move except to delve further. I could barely take a breath again until I reached it's end. A masterpiece of writing from a masterful storyteller......

This is a review specifically of the hardcover Mint Editions publication of 'Kokoro.' I love Soseki's writing. The theme of this novel examines the casualties of the rapid Westernization of Japan, an oft underrepresented facet of the Japanese experience, which in the eyes of foreigners is so often buried beneath contemporary pop culture references. I relate to this story even today--of experiencing the feeling of falling through the cracks, getting left behind, and living in a world in which there is no place for me. Some things about the Mint Editions book: 1. I noticed that this translation is different to the Edwin McClellan translation. It was a pleasant surprise to find that I actually prefer this translation, which preserves the meaning and simplicity of the original text but also finds a way to be quietly lyrical with its content. 2. Oddly, the translator was not credited anywhere in the book. In fact, there was very little publication information. Another oddity was that each break in the text was presented as a new chapter, so the book was divided into many short chapters and not just into the three main parts. This isn't necessarily a problem, though, and if you are reader who likes to take frequent breaks from the text, it may actually be a draw. 3. The binding is simple but feels sturdy. The cover is attractive and not overwhelming. 4. The only reason I take off a star is because it could have used one more pass over by a copywriter. There are typos that begin partway through the text and then continue to appear with some frequency. Some of these typos interfere with understanding the text. There was also a small translation inconsistency in the early chapters, which is easy enough to overlook but still something I noticed as a fellow Japanese-English translator. Overall, this novel has my full recommendation, and this Mint Editions publication, in spite of the caveats listed above, has my recommendation as well.

Easy enough go understand the guilt and the loneliness that is in virtually every word. Had me intrigued to the last word.

Discovered this author just recently for a bookgroup pick. I really really liked the book and others have commented quite intelligently on it. So I will only comment on the format of this particular edition/copy. It was bothersome enough that I feel I have to tell how surprised I was that this one is the size of a fashion magazine and impractical to handle and carry around. Pretty cover, for sure, but I had to joke that this large book made me look like a 6 year old reading a coloring book. Hmm ... sounded funnier when I said it out loud. In any case, great book that I intended to keep in my library but I might donate it when I find a smaller (regular paperback) copy.

Gran novela. Natsume Soseki es uno de los grandes maestros de la literatura japonesa. Y Kokoro es una de sus cimas mas elevadas. La delicada introspeccion de los personajes de esta obra cumbre, en realidad son el alma i el espiritu de Soseki al desnudo. Todo un universo de sensaciones animicas resumen toda una cultura y una forma de sentir la vida y la muerte. Magistral.

Wonderful story, japanese of course, nicely written and quite fascinating and rather sad..the relationships between people of all genders in Japan , the family secrets.. life and death often through suicide. A beautiful story

Such a beautiful and heartbreaking story. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a book to make them think. Got through it pretty quickly aswell and is a pretty easy read

THis is the first time I am reading Natsume and I am so so glad I picked this. I am curious about Japanese literature/ books and authors and while looking, this book caught my eye. Well, what do I say about this creation. I am floored by everything in this book. It's plot is well written and though the characters belong to a specific time they are so relatable and can you can feel them. I did my research on the Meiji era of Japan while reading this book and it helped me understand the concept better. But, what stood out to me was expressions of the human conditions and realations by the author. So delicate almost like poetry and so simple and understandble at the same time. I would recommend this book for everyone. It worth it!!!

It may be me but I think this translator assumes to much of me and I feel like I am missing the gist.