Banana Yoshimoto
YOSHIMOTO BANANA
Introduction
Yoshimoto Bananafs name was oblivious to me before I came to Tokyo, and I first heard it amongst a novel discussion had by my colleagues. How curious I was to learn of a novel named eKitchenf, that I held on to that name for 2 years before I finally got around to buying the novel and falling in love with it. However, before reading Yoshimotofs first work, I first read another novel of less popularity– in Chinese. The novel eLizardf came as a surprise when I was shopping for a Chinese novel to read in Hong Kong.
I felt challenged by the first story Newlyweds and left the novella on the shelf thereafter.
Perhaps this was because of itsf Chinese translation. The fact that it flowed in a different manner to the books I had read (albeit it is but a handful), I had to read it over several times to complete the scene. This process made the novel rather unpalatable.
Dissatisfied with the last, I attempted Asleep (English Version) last winter vacation to seek solace. Thereafter, I shared the novel with other friends who also thought it to be a very clever, interesting and simple read.
From this experience, I realized the importance of translation and how much difference and clarity there was in the English versions. I never looked back. The charm, rhythm and calmness in her writing, the perception it shares with the reader is like a breath of fresh air.
With this thought, I aim to present an overview of the certain facets of Yoshimoto Bananafs work (For example, eKitchenf, eAsleepf and eLizardf and eGoodbye Tsugumif), to which I believe has captured so many millions of fans around the world, including myself.
I endeavor to write this overview covering topics such as her language, the Shojo of her stories and the relationships, Life and Death and Healing.
Overview
gBanana Yoshimoto writes such beautiful,...
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