Touring the Land of the Dead

"Ninety-Nine Kisses" is a novel by Kashimada that combines two tales about memory, loss, and love, set in a historical neighborhood of contemporary Tokyo. The story follows Taichi and his wife Natsuko, who are struggling to make ends meet. When Natsuko takes Taichi to a spa, they are transported back to their family's complicated history, and the experience becomes a voyage to the doors of death and back to life. The novel is praised for its dream-like narrative, emotional charge, and stylistic inventiveness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

A captivating and emotionally charged narrative by a fresh and bold new voice in Japanese fiction, this mesmerizing blend of two tales explores the themes of memory, loss, and love with stylistic inventiveness and remarkable sensitivity. Taichi, forced to stop working nearly a decade ago, has been relying on his wife Natsuko's part-time wages to make ends meet. However, Natsuko is a resilient woman accustomed to hardship. When her family's fortune dwindled during her childhood, she, her brother, and her mother faced a surreal and challenging existence, shaped by her mother's refusal to embrace their new circumstances.

One day, Natsuko comes across an advertisement for a spa and recognizes it as the former luxury hotel where her grandfather had taken her mother when she was a child. Despite the financial burden, she decides to take her damaged husband to the spa, hoping that their time there will bring about healing and redemption.

What ensues is an extraordinary journey into the realm of the unknown, a voyage that leads to the doors of death and back to life. Inspired by a classic story by Junichiro Tanizaki, "Ninety-Nine Kisses" is the second story in this collection, offering a poignant and lyrical portrayal of the lives of four unmarried sisters living in a historical and close-knit neighborhood of contemporary Tokyo.

Kashimada, the talented writer behind this work, brings a truly unique perspective to her storytelling. The tense disquiet that hovers over the narrative possesses a distinct charm, creating a world that is entirely authentic to her vision. With her exceptional talent, Kashimada has crafted a work that resonates with readers, leaving a lasting impression on their hearts and minds.

"Ninety-Nine Kisses" is a testament to the power of literature to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and explore the intricacies of human relationships. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine fiction and is eager to discover the rich tapestry of Japanese literature.

Weight: 156g
Dimension: 135 x 211 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787702806