When I was casting about recently to see what other Japanese titles I had TBR which could be suitable for the Japanese Literature Challenge, I realised that one of the next two books in my Penguin Moderns series featured an author I’d wanted to read for quite some time – Yuko Tsushima. So it seemed a good idea to dip into these two titles, particularly as they were short and engaging during stressful work times earlier in the month!
Penguin Modern 43 – Of Dogs and Walls by Yuko Tsushima
Tsushima was a renowned author of fiction, essays and criticism whose work has had a recent renaissance in translation, with two full length works appearing in Penguin editions, as well as these stories in the Penguin Modern, all translated by Geraldine Harcourt. Born in 1946, she was the daughter of the sometimes controversial author Osamu Dazai, who committed suicide when she was one year old. The two stories in this collection, “The Watery Realm” and “Of Dogs and Walls” both seem to contain autobiographical elements, which I guess is not surprising…
You’re afraid of the water that stole your husband, but all you can do is consort with it. It’s always around you. As far as you’re concerned, he didn’t die, he turned to water. What happens on land vanishes in water, and the reverse is true, too. Water is your greatest fear…
“Watery…” is a beautifully written short work which intertwines narratives from a daughter and her mother, and explores their lives, as well as that of the daughter’s brother who suffers from learning difficulties. The narrative is as fluid as the watery images which pervade it, and looks back at the lost father who drowned himself with a lover (as did Dazai) as well as the relationship between mother and daughter and their misunderstandings. The narrative in “Of Dogs…” could almost be a continuation of the first story as again we have a mother, daughter and troubled brother. The story has a more conventional structure and is set at a later date where the characters are looking back to the sister and brother in their younger years, the dogs and houses of the families and the blurring effects of time on memories. In both cases, as I implied, it’s impossible not to read these stories autobiographically.
I’d heard good things about Tsushima’s writing and she certainly lives up to her reputation with these two short works (which I believe aren’t available anywhere else). Evocative, poignant and moving, the stories reveal the complexities of family relationships and explore how easy it is to misunderstand someone close to you. The story of the brother was particularly touching and the dream-like quality of the prose is haunting. A definite winner in the Penguin Modern set, and I shall obviously have to check out her other works in translation.
Penguin Modern 44 – Madame du Deffand and the Idiots by Javier Marias
Well, this was something of a surprise! I have only ever tried to read Javier Marias once – well, twice I suppose, as I had two goes at one book and didn’t get on with it so abandoned it. So when I picked this out of the Penguin Moderns set I had no expectations at all. It turns out that “Madame…” is non fiction; five short portrait of famous literary figures, translated by Margaret Jull Costa, and I absolutely loved them!!!
The pieces cover the title lady, Nabokov, Djuna Barnes, Oscar Wilde and Emily Bronte. They’re certainly brief, and each has a small picture heading the essay, but they’re sparkling, witty, slightly cheeky takes on each of the figures – and despite his often irreverent stance, Marias really does seem to have an affection for his subjects and captures them beautifully in wonderfully readable and entertaining prose. The Nabokov portrait was particularly affecting, as was that of Oscar, the latter looking at his life after he left prison – always something which makes me emotional.
This was a wonderful little gem of a Modern, and I enjoyed it so much that I’m sorely tempted to read the whole collection from which they’re drawn. I’m also obviously going to have to rethink my attitude towards Marias, because if I can enjoy his non fictions so much, maybe I *would* like his fictions – I’ll just have to try a different book to the one I failed with twice!
*****
This particular pair of Penguin Moderns were memorable and wonderful, both great introductions to authors whose work I need to explore further. Plus another read for the Japanese Literature Challenge! Has anyone any recommendations of where I should go if I fancy exploring Marias’ work further??
Jan 21, 2022 @ 07:24:11
Ha, told you you would like Tsushima! I found those two stories particularly affecting because I am such a huge Dazai fan, but then you see the consequences of his life and death upon his family…
Jan 21, 2022 @ 11:53:11
Yeah, I loved them, and I read them with Dazai’s fate in mind. Such a tragic effect on his family and you can really see how she was haunted by it…
Jan 21, 2022 @ 07:25:50
I’ve only read A Heart So White, but I did think it was interesting: https://anzlitlovers.com/2020/07/22/a-heart-so-white-by-javier-marais-translated-by-margaret-jull-costa/
Jan 21, 2022 @ 11:52:29
Yes, I remember your review – sometimes you can appreciate a book but not be drawn to read it and that’s what I think I find the hardest…
Jan 21, 2022 @ 12:12:24
I know exactly what you mean, sometimes it’s all about the pleasure of the review rather than the book!
Jan 21, 2022 @ 14:06:56
Definitely! 🤣🤣
Jan 21, 2022 @ 07:52:02
Marías is one of my favourite modern authors. I struggled with his meandering style at first, then something clicked and I was in. I’d endorse Lisa’s recommendation, or perhaps try the trilogy Your Face Tomorrow. Written Lives, the anthology of literary essays, is also worth seeking out. I’ve posted on his work more than anyone else at my place.
Jan 21, 2022 @ 11:50:16
Thanks Simon. I was definitely impressed by these essays, which makes me think I should have a go at the whole collection. And I’ll try a different book from the one I started before I think to see if I can find a way in!
Jan 21, 2022 @ 12:08:13
I’ve got the Tsushima (of course!), but this is the first I’ve heard of the Marias – one to look out for 🙂
Jan 21, 2022 @ 14:08:13
I certainly enjoyed the Marias and I’m now keen to read more of his essays, as well as more Tsushima!
Jan 21, 2022 @ 12:12:14
Funny, isn’t it, how you try a book, abandon it, then try it again and love it. I’ve had that happen to me, too, and I’m glad you found the extra effort to be worthwhile. I wonder how that’s impacted by things like mood, timing, etc….
Jan 21, 2022 @ 14:07:48
I think timing can be really crucial and mood definitely – if you don’t feel like reading a book it’s best not to force it, because you may go back to it another time and it’s the perfect read. I shall obviously have to give Marias another try…
Jan 21, 2022 @ 15:17:06
Nice reviews. It definitely encourages me to read Territory of Light, on my TBR.
For Javier Marias, I have read good things about Berta Isla, but haven’t opened it yet
Jan 21, 2022 @ 15:18:47
Thanks! Territory of Light is one I’m keen to get to! As for Marias, there seems a lot of choice so I will need to have a bit of an explore!
Jan 21, 2022 @ 17:39:35
Yes, read Written Lives, you’ll enjoy it a lot. Marías, in the old days, or at least in All Souls and the extraordinary Dark Back of Time, did not have a meandering style. He was quite a tight writer back then. The meandering was a change.
Here’s my squib about Written Lives.
Jan 22, 2022 @ 10:55:22
Ah thank you! I have checked out your post and I will indeed have to read Written Lives – obvs right up my street. And I may have to read All Souls and Dark Back of Time too…
Jan 24, 2022 @ 19:13:55
I was just going to recommend this one as well; I think it includes some of the sketches you’ve just read!
Jan 25, 2022 @ 11:33:43
It does indeed sound good!
Jan 21, 2022 @ 19:52:24
Not read either of these authors, though Tsushima does really appeal and I have Territory of Light on my kindle tbr. I have somehow had the impression that I might not get on so well with Marias. Though as you say coming to a book/writer at the right time is crucial.
Jan 22, 2022 @ 10:50:13
On the strength of these two stories, I do think you’d like Tsushima, Ali, and I want to read more of her work. As for Marias, I don’t know what to think! I was convinced he wasn’t for me, but I really loved these non-fiction pieces!!
Jan 22, 2022 @ 01:55:23
Though I haven’t read Marías extensively, the two novels I’d recommend are A Heart So White or All Souls. I mistakenly started out on his books with the second book in the trilogy and was thoroughly confused! Written Lives sounds like one to search out…
Jan 22, 2022 @ 10:47:26
Thank you for the hints! I think I might start with Written Lives then risk some of the fiction!
Jan 22, 2022 @ 05:20:09
Have heard of Marias but Tsushima is totally new. Have a feeling I will enjoy both the authors.
Jan 22, 2022 @ 10:47:01
I certainly loved both of these – and was surprised to like the Marias so much! Tsushima’s writing is very special, so I hope you enjoy both of these writers.
Jan 22, 2022 @ 13:47:31
Wonderful review. I had not heard or read either of the authors, but now I want to try Madame du Deffand and the Idiots….very interested!
Jan 22, 2022 @ 17:10:00
Thank you! It’s a really entertaining read – such a treat!
Jan 24, 2022 @ 22:18:18
What a great and timely pair!
Jan 25, 2022 @ 11:32:22
Very much so – just right at the moment!
Jan 26, 2022 @ 04:37:30
I’ve had Territory of Light on the TBR for some time now. Your review of these shorter pieces make me think it’s time to bump it up a place or two.
As for Javier Marías, well, I want to read him, I really, really do but I must admit he’s a bit intimidating. Perhaps I’ll follow your example and check out some non-fiction first!
Jan 26, 2022 @ 11:38:10
I’m keen to explore Territory of Light myself – she’s such a good writer on the evidence of this one! As for Marias, I definitely think the non-fiction is a good place to begin, as I loved these..