writer critic (writercritic) wrote, @ 2004-09-07 22:29:00

Mokey Brain Sushi
In the 80's a massive turn occured in Japanese literature - writers broke from the norms of group-think and classical standards and emerged with wonderful originality, personality, verve. These authors are the contemporary voices of contemporary Japan and express infinite depth through flavorful narrative.

The book I am currently enjoying is Monkey Brain Sushi: New Taste in Japanese Fiction edited by Alfred Birnbaum and published in 1991. Birnbaum is "American by passport" and lives, writes, and translates in Japan. The authors whose stories appear in the book include Eri Makino - a housewife revolutionised by her rediscovery of Elvis, Kyoji Kobayashi - a lyrical connector of haiku and fiction, and Japan's most famed Haruki Murakami - an enigmatic entity all on his own.

Haruki Murakami is a wonderful author. His tales range from the strange supernatural to the stranger human. Personally, I suggest "South of the Border, West of the Sun" and "Norwegian Wood" if anyone is interested in his novels. "The Elephant Vanishes" is his book of short stories. These are some of his stories that can be found online:

Honey Pie

Airplane

Birthday Girl

- Marina

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