ASIA2670 Required Readings Book Review
I finished reading all the required books/novels for my ASIA2670 class!
I know I have to write something about the books that I’ve read. Overall I enjoy reading all of them and majority managed to find their way on my favorite books list.
Without further ado…
The Setting Sun (Shayo / 斜陽) by Dazai Osamu
A depressing yet fun book to read. It’s sad, makes you feel down, but you’ll probably pick it up again and read. Some parts are a bit bothersome, but I think it’s not as depressing as Kokoro.
Snow Country (Yukiguni / 雪国) by Kawabata Yasunari
The only book that I didn’t really appreciate because… I don’t know. I’ve read Palm-of-the-hand stories before and I was badly disappointed, and thought that this novel might proved otherwise. I guess it’s because of his writing style. I’m not really comfortable with it and I just didn’t get what’s going on.
Confessions of a Mask (Kamen no Kokuhaku / 仮面の告白) by Mishima Yukio
First time to read a book by Mishima (although I have a couple of his books here, still unread) and I actually enjoyed it! I am now wondering whether my impression of this book is due to the fact that Mishima himself has the personality that will surely leave a mark, or is it because the book was written well, or whatever. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it, weirdly enough.
Woman in the Dunes (Suna no Onna / 砂の女) by Abe Kobo
I had a hard time reading this book because I saw the movie first. That is why the narration didn’t really made an impact on me. Nevertheless, I think it is still a beautiful book and I could have appreciate it more if I didn’t see the film first.
Masks (Onna-men / 女面) by Enchi Fumiko
First impression based on the cover: BORING. But I had a hard time putting this book down! It was THAT great. I love it, love it. Manipulative women at their finest, most evil form. I love this book.
A Wild Sheep Chase (Hitsuji o meguru bōken / 羊をめぐる冒険) by Murakami Haruki
Started reading a couple of pages last Thursday and devoured the whole thing last Saturday night until Sunday morning. It’s been a while since I last read a Murakami novel and I did enjoy reading this book. I am so glad that I read this because this book will really help me go over my copy of Dance Dance Dance. And funny enough, this book fills up the gaps of Pinball, 1973 which I read prior to this since I have to write a paper about Murakami (how many times have I mentioned this already?). On my favorites list but Kafka on the Shore and After Dark still tops my Murakami-related list.
Angela Solis grew up in the Philippines before moving in to Canada in 2003. She became a Canadian in 2006. Angela is 22 years old and an alumna of University of Manitoba with a degree in Psychology. She has been blogging since 2002. She maintains a 