Things Remembered and Things Forgotten

The ten acclaimed stories in this collection are pervaded by an air of Japanese ghostliness, portrayed by author Kyoko Nakajima as men and women beset by cultural amnesia and unaware of how haunted they are by fragmented memories of war and occupation, fading traditions, buildings lost to firestorms and bulldozers, and the spirits of their recent past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Sort of Books

If we seek to unravel the mysteries of what has faded into the annals of time, there exists no alternative path than to embark on a journey of imagination, employing delicate rather than broad strokes. This profound insight was expressed by the acclaimed Japanese author Kyoko Nakajima in her remarkable story, Things Remembered and Things Forgotten. Through the power of her words, Nakajima skillfully unveils the intricate layers of wartime devastation that lurk beneath Tokyo's façade of modernity, casting a mesmerizing light that illuminates the depths of this captivating city.

Within this captivating collection, ten acclaimed stories permeate an aura of Japanese ghostliness. Nakajima's masterful prose, crafted with exquisite precision and deceptive lightness, brings to life the plight of individuals plagued by cultural amnesia, unaware of the haunting presence that surrounds them. Fragmented memories of war and occupation, fading traditions, the loss of buildings to firestorms and bulldozers, and the lingering spirits of their recent past intertwine to create a tapestry of haunting echoes.

Each story in this collection is a testament to Nakajima's exceptional talent, as she skillfully weaves together a tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with the reader. From the poignant portrayal of a young woman struggling to come to terms with her wartime past to the haunting depiction of a retired soldier haunted by the memories of his fallen comrades, the characters in these stories are vividly brought to life, eliciting a range of emotions that linger long after the last page is turned.

Through her storytelling, Nakajima invites us to explore the complexities of memory and the impact it has on individuals and communities. She challenges us to confront the remnants of the past and to acknowledge the profound ways in which they shape our present and future. Things Remembered and Things Forgotten serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our history and heritage, and of the resilience and strength that can be found in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Kyoko Nakajima's Things Remembered and Things Forgotten is a masterpiece of storytelling that delves into the depths of human experience. Through her delicate and evocative prose, she unveils the hidden scars of war and occupation, illuminating the layers of cultural amnesia that permeate modern society. This collection is a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of confronting the past, and it will leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to embark on its captivating journey.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908745965
Edition number: Main