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Japanese Fiction

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Japanese Literature
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Waiting
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Ha Jin | Vintage Books

Waiting

RM37.00 MYR RM15.00 MYR 59% off

Goodreads rating: 3.54

RM37.00 MYR RM15.00 MYR 59% off

"Waiting" is a poignant exploration of love constrained by societal norms. As you walk through Lin Kong's life, you navigate the complex terrain of duty versus desire. Ha Jin paints a deeply moving portrait of a man caught between modern affection and traditional obligation. This book speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever struggled with the choices that define us.
An Artist of the Floating World
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Kazuo Ishiguro | Vintage International

An Artist of the Floating World

RM24.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.78

RM24.00 MYR

In the face of the misery in his homeland, the artist Masuji Ono was unwilling to devote his art solely to the celebration of physical beauty. Instead, he put his work in the service of the imperialist movement that led Japan into World War II. Now, as the mature Ono struggles through the aftermath of that war, his memories of his youth and of the “floating world”—the nocturnal world of pleasure, entertainment, and drink—offer him both escape and redemption, even as they punish him for betraying his early promise. Indicted by society for its defeat and reviled for his past aesthetics, he relives the passage through his personal history that makes him both a hero and a coward but, above all, a human being.

Never Let Me Go
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Kazuo Ishiguro | Faber And Faber

Never Let Me Go

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.85

RM33.00 MYR

35% off est. retail
Recommendation: This book is a heart-wrenching exploration of the fragility of life and the bonds that hold us together. Through Kathy's gripping narration, Ishiguro crafts a story that will leave you contemplating the nature of identity, sacrifice, and the inevitability of fate. Prepare to be moved and haunted by this beautifully written tale that lingers long after you turn the last page. Perfect for those who appreciate introspective and thought-provoking literature.
Pale View of Hills - Thryft
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Kazuo Ishiguro | Faber & Faber

Pale View of Hills

RM25.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.79

RM25.00 MYR

Librarian note: An alternative cover for this ISBN can be found here.In his highly acclaimed debut, A Pale View of Hills, Kazuo Ishiguro tells the story of Etsuko, a Japanese woman now living alone in England, dwelling on the recent suicide of her daughter. Retreating into the past, she finds herself reliving one particular hot summer in Nagasaki, when she and her friends struggled to rebuild their lives after the war. But then as she recalls her strange friendship with Sachiko - a wealthy woman reduced to vagrancy - the memories take on a disturbing cast.
Men Without Women : Stories - Thryft
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Philip Gabriel, Haruki Murakami, Ted Goossen  | Knopf

Men Without Women : Stories

RM57.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.76

RM57.00 MYR

This book could be a good read for those who are interested in stories about life and relationships. The stories in this book have a unique way of exploring the complex emotions of characters without important women in their lives. Each story is filled with wry humor and pathos, and leaves readers with more questions than answers. Murakami brings out the loneliness in each character and shows how they seek a connection with others, making it a relatable and moving read for those who enjoy thought-provoking literature.
The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman
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Liedewy Hawke, Denis Thériault  | Oneworld

The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.65

RM33.00 MYR

38% off est. retail
The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman could be for you if you're intrigued by the idea of someone else's secret world providing an escape from everyday monotony. Denis Thériault weaves a narrative that's both poetic and suspenseful, allowing you to glimpse into the intimate exchanges of strangers through the eyes of a voyeuristic postman. It's a compact tale that explores the consequences of living life vicariously through others' words.
Norwegian Wood
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Haruki Murakami | Vintage

Norwegian Wood

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.02

RM33.00 MYR

46% off est. retail
"Norwegian Wood" might just linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page. It's Murakami at his finest, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonate with the heartache and beauty of youth. The narrative takes you through a delicate dance of memories, drawing you into a world where love and pain are deeply intertwined. If you enjoy stories that explore the profundity of human connections and the passage of time, this book is a compelling pick.
One Man's Justice - Thryft
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Akira Yoshimura | Canongate Books Ltd

One Man's Justice

RM26.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.93

RM26.00 MYR

Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been destroyed. Japan is in ruins and occupied by the Americans.Takuya, an ex-officer in the Imperial Army, has returned to his native village only to learn that the Occupation authorities are intensifying their efforts to apprehend suspected war criminals. And those who are found guilty are being sentenced to death.Fearing that his role in the execution of a number of American pilots, Takuya takes to the road and becomes a fugitive in his own country.One Man's Justice is both a reflection on the murky reality of war and a page-turning novel of pursuit and escape.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle - Thryft
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Jay Rubin, Haruki Murakami  | The Harvill Press

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

RM65.00 MYR RM25.00 MYR 62% off

Goodreads rating: 4.15

RM65.00 MYR RM25.00 MYR 62% off

Toru Okada is an apparently happy man, drifting through life in a vague, blameless and somewhat apathetic manner. Then one morning his wife leaves for work and never returns.
The Phone Box At The Edge Of The World - Thryft
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Laura Imai Messina, Lucy Rand  | Manilla Press

The Phone Box At The Edge Of The World

RM23.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.86

RM23.00 MYR

We all have something to tell those we have lost.On a windy hill in Japan, in a garden overlooking the sea stands a disused phone box. For years, people have travelled to visit the phone box, to pick up the receiver and speak into the wind: to pass their messages to loved ones no longer with us.When Yui loses her mother and daughter in the tsunami, she is plunged into despair and wonders how she will ever carry on. One day she hears of the phone box, and decides to make her own pilgrimage there, to speak once more to the people she loved the most. But when you have lost everything, the right words can be the hardest thing to find.Then she meets Takeshi, a bereaved husband whose own daughter has stopped talking in the wake of their loss. What happens next will warm your heart, even when it feels as though it is breaking.
Dandelions - Thryft
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Yasunari Kawabata | Penguin

Dandelions

RM25.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.46

RM25.00 MYR

The exquisite last novel from Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata.Ineko has lost the ability to see things. At first it was a ping-pong ball, then it was her fiancé. The doctors call it 'body blindness', and she is placed in a psychiatric clinic to recover. As Ineko's mother and fiancé walk along the riverbank after visiting time, they wonder: is her condition a form of madness - or an expression of love? Exploring the distance between us, and what we say without words, Kawabata's transcendent final novel is the last word from a master of Japanese literature.
Snow Country - Thryft
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Yasunari Kawabata, Edward G. Seidensticker  | Penguin Books

Snow Country

RM28.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.6

RM28.00 MYR

Shimamura is tired of the bustling city. He takes the train through the snow to the mountains of the west coast of Japan to meet with a geisha he believes he loves. Beautiful and innocent, Komako is tightly bound by the rules of a rural geisha and lives a life of servitude and seclusion that is alien to Shimamura – their love offers no freedom to either of them.Snow Country is both delicate and subtle, reflecting in Kawabata's exact, lyrical writing the unspoken love and the understated passion of the young Japanese couple.
Life for Sale - Thryft
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Yukio Mishima | Penguin Classics

Life for Sale

RM30.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.73

RM30.00 MYR

'Life for sale. Use me as you wish. I am a twenty-seven-year-old male. Discretion guaranteed. Will cause no bother at all.'When Hanio Yamada realizes the future holds nothing of worth to him, he puts his life for sale in a Tokyo newspaper, thus unleashing a series of unimaginable exploits.A world of revenge, murderous mobsters, hidden cameras, a vampire woman, poisonous carrots, espionage and code-breaking, a junkie heiress, home-made explosives and decoys reveals itself to the unwitting Hanio. Is there anything he can do to stop it?
The Fox and Dr. Shimamura
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Christine Wunnicke, Philip Boehm  | New Directions

The Fox and Dr. Shimamura

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.05

RM33.00 MYR

55% off est. retail
"The Fox & Dr. Shimamura" is a mesmerizing mix of historical narrative and mythical elements that wraps around you like a fever dream. If you're fascinated by the meeting points of different cultures, the mingling of science and superstition, and enjoy a narrative that moves fluidly through time and reality, you'll find this book an intoxicating read. Christine Wunnicke offers a narrative feast, season with a touch of sardonic humor, that will captivate anyone interested in the psychological tapestries of the human mind.
Death by Water - Thryft
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Kenzaburo (Deborah Boliver Boehm) translator Oe, Deborah Boliver Boehm  | Atlantic Books

Death by Water

RM55.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.22

RM55.00 MYR

BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.
Shame in the Blood
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Tetsuo Miura | Shoemaker & Hoard

Shame in the Blood

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.04

RM33.00 MYR

If the thought of a family's troubles interwoven with personal resilience speaks to you, "Shame in the Blood" may resonate deeply. Miura Tetsuo encapsulates the grit of a protagonist battling his perceived hereditary curse, creating a sense of empathy for his quest to break free from a dark past. The narrative's rich texture, navigating through trials toward hope, could offer a profound reading experience for anyone intrigued by the complexities of family and destiny.
Killing Commendatore - Thryft
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Haruki Murakami | Random House Uk

Killing Commendatore

RM47.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.91

RM47.00 MYR

The much-anticipated new novel from the internationally acclaimed, best-selling author of 1Q84 and Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, Killing Commendatore is an epic tour de force of love and loneliness, war and art—as well as a loving homage to The Great Gatsby—and a stunning work of imagination from one of our greatest writers.
Never Let Me Go
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Kazuo Ishiguro | Faber And Faber

Never Let Me Go

RM37.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.85

RM37.00 MYR

50% off est. retail
"Never Let Me Go" offers a haunting journey that echoes with readers long after the last page. It combines an elegant narrative of growing up with the piercing realization of one's purpose in a world that is at once familiar and disquietingly off-kilter. Ishiguro's refined storytelling invites introspection and a deep emotional connection, making it perfect for those who appreciate literature that stays with you and prompts reflection on life's delicate balances.
Klara and the Sun
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Kazuo Ishiguro | Faber & Faber

Klara and the Sun

RM52.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.74

RM52.00 MYR

"Klara and the Sun" might resonate with you if you're drawn to narratives that weave technology with the tender fabric of human condition. Ishiguro's thoughtful prose and Klara's unique perspective as an AI could touch you deeply, making you ponder over the complexities of love and the human need for connections. The book's contemplative nature might stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
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Haruki Murakami | Vintage

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman

RM30.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.84

RM30.00 MYR

57% off est. retail
If you're looking for a journey through the mystic and mundane, Murakami’s "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" could be a perfect choice. The collection offers a tapestry of quirky and emotionally resonant narratives, all delivered with Murakami's signature blend of the surreal and the everyday. A read that could leave you contemplating the intricate dance of chance and choice in life.
Revenge - Thryft
Sold out
Yōko Ogawa | Harvill Secker

Revenge

RM32.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.04

RM32.00 MYR

A woman goes into a bakery to buy a strawberry cream tart. The place is immaculate but there is no one serving so she waits. Another customer comes in. The woman tells the new arrival that she is buying her son a treat for his birthday. Every year she buys him his favourite cake; even though he died in an accident when he was six years old. From this beginning Yoko Ogawa weaves a dark and beautiful narrative that pulls together a seemingly disconnected cast of characters. In the tradition of classical Japanese poetic collections, the stories in Revenge are linked through recurring images and motifs, as each story follows on from the one before while simultaneously introducing new characters and themes. Filled with breathtaking images, Ogawa provides us with a slice of life that is resplendent in its chaos, enthralling in its passion and chilling in its cruelty.
The Woman in the Dunes - Thryft
Sold out
E. Dale Saunders, Kōbō Abe  | Tuttle Publishing

The Woman in the Dunes

RM36.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.89

RM36.00 MYR

This beautiful novel by one of Japan's most important writers is also one of the most strangely terrifying and memorable books you'll ever read. The Woman in the Dunes is the story of an amateur entomologist who wanders alone into a remote seaside village in pursuit of a rare beetle he wants to add to his collection. But the townspeople take him prisoner. They lower him into the sand-pit home of a young widow, a pariah in the poor community, who the villagers have condemned to a life of shoveling back the ever-encroaching dunes that threaten to bury the town. An amazing book.
No Longer Human
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Donald Keene, Osamu Dazai  | New Directions

No Longer Human

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.95

RM33.00 MYR

54% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the complexities of cultural shift and personal identity, "No Longer Human" might speak to you deeply. It's not just a novel; it's a haunting journey through a man's internal struggle with societal expectations and self-worth. Perfect for those who appreciate psychological depth and existential reflections mirrored in a rapidly changing world.
After the Banquet - Thryft
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Yukio Mishima | Vintage/ebury (a Division Of Random

After the Banquet

RM30.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.7

RM30.00 MYR

Reissued along side The Sound of the Waves plus three classics works by Junichiro Tanizaki.
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle : Vintage Classics Japanese Series - Thryft
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Haruki Murakami | Vintage Classics

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle : Vintage Classics Japanese Series

RM36.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.15

RM36.00 MYR

Enter the surreal and enchanting world of Haruki MurakamiToru Okada's cat has disappeared.His wife is growing more distant every day.Then there are the increasingly explicit telephone calls he has recently been receiving.As this compelling story unfolds, the tidy suburban realities of Okada's vague and blameless life, spent cooking, reading, listening to jazz and opera and drinking beer at the kitchen table, are turned inside out. He embarks on a bizarre journey, guided by a succession of characters, each with a tale to tell.'Mesmerising, surreal, this really is the work of a true original' The TimesPart of the VINTAGE JAPANESE CLASSICS series - five masterpieces of Japanese fiction in gorgeous new gift editions.
Kitchen
Sold out
Megan Backus, Banana Yoshimoto  | Faber & Faber

Kitchen

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.9

RM33.00 MYR

If you're intrigued by the interplay of the delicate yet intense themes of life, death, and personal transformation, 'Kitchen' is a book that will resonate with you. Banana Yoshimoto masterfully intertwines emotions and culinary spaces with a narrative that's both comforting and challenging, reflecting the complexities of modern life and relationships. It's a lovingly crafted story that'll leave you contemplating long after the last page.
Eastern Heathens: An Anthology of Subverted Asian Folklore
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Amanda Lee Koe, Cyril Wong, Ng Yi-Sheng  | Ethos Books

Eastern Heathens: An Anthology of Subverted Asian Folklore

RM41.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.38

RM41.00 MYR

If you've ever been fascinated by the stories that have traveled through Asian cultures, "Eastern Heathens" will speak to that nostalgia with a fresh and provocative twist. Amanda Lee Koe and Ng Yi-Sheng gather a collection of tales that challenge traditional narratives, making it a great pick for those who enjoy folklore with a side of rebellion. This anthology invites its readers to look at familiar legends through a lens that questions and reframes the old stories, perfect for readers looking for both cultural depth and innovative storytelling.
Last Stop Tokyo - Thryft
Sold out
James Buckler | Doubleday

Last Stop Tokyo

RM30.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.28

RM30.00 MYR

‘A fine debut – fast-paced and bleak, with a vivid setting and gut-wrenching twists.’ MICK HERRON‘A vivid and noirish tale of an Englishman abroad discovering that you can run from everything but yourself. James Buckler is one to watch.’ SIMON BECKETT, bestselling author of The Chemistry of Death********The funny thing with suffering is just when you think you’ve suffered enough, you realize it’s only the beginning.Alex thought running away would make everything better. Six thousand miles from the mistakes he’s made and the people he’s hurt, Tokyo seems like the perfect escape. A new life, a new Alex.The bright lights and dark corners of this alien and fascinating city intoxicate him, and he finds himself transfixed by this country, which feels like a puzzle that no one can quite explain. And when Alex meets the enigmatic and alluring Naoko, the peace he sought slips ever further from his grasp.After all, trust is just betrayal waiting to happen and Alex is about to find out that there’s no such thing as rock bottom. There’s always the chance it’ll get worse . . .
Granta 148 : Summer Fiction - Thryft
Sold out
Sigrid Rausing | Granta Magazine

Granta 148: Summer Fiction

RM33.00 MYR RM26.00 MYR 21% off

Goodreads rating: 3.84

RM33.00 MYR RM26.00 MYR 21% off

If you appreciate a melange of literary talent, "Granta 148: Summer Fiction" is a treat for your intellect. It offers a unique literary journey with contributions from acclaimed authors like Haruki Murakami and newcomers alike. Plus, its compelling poetry and a thought-provoking photo essay elevate it beyond mere storytelling, making it a must-read for anyone seeking the pulse of modern literary brilliance.
Killing Commendatore
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Haruki Murakami | Vintage

Killing Commendatore

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.91

RM33.00 MYR

55% off est. retail
Imagine you're sifting through the familiar layers of everyday life when you stumble upon a doorway to the mystical—this is what diving into "Killing Commendatore" feels like. Murakami weaves the ordinary with the supernatural in such a way that you'll find yourself questioning the fabric of reality. It's perfect for those longing to lose themselves in a narrative that blurs the lines between the tangible and the imagined.
Birthday Stories
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Haruki Murakami, Russell Banks, Denis Johnson  | Vintage Books

Birthday Stories

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.56

RM33.00 MYR

55% off est. retail
Imagine unwrapping life's complexity in a single day, each year. "Birthday Stories" is like opening a gift of perspectives, wrapped in the prose of literary titans. These snapshots, woven by brilliance, make for an intriguing read that dances between nostalgia, sorrow, celebration, and the inexorable march of time. If you relish short stories that encapsulate the essence of human experience, this birthday themed anthology curated by Haruki Murakami is a slice of literary cake you shouldn't miss.
Paper Door and Other Stories - Thryft
Sold out
Shiga Naoya, Lane Dunlop  | Tuttle Pub

Paper Door and Other Stories

RM22.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.77

RM22.00 MYR

No modern Japanese writer was more idolized than Shiga Naoya. The Paper Door and Other Stories showcases the concise, delicate art of this writer who is often called "the god of the Japanese short story." Doyen of Japanese letters Donald Keene ranks some of Shiga's stories "among the most brilliant achievements in this genre by any twentieth-century Japanese writer." Shiga's unique style is concise and simple, with no unnecessary words. With the subtlest of gestures, he evokes the fullness of experience. Lane Dunlop's masterly translation of seventeen of Shiga's finest stories has provided English readers their first overview of the author's work. Now back in print, the book is augmented by Donald Keene's new preface contextualizing Shiga's awesome literary gifts. Dunlop has chosen stories that aptly represent Shiga's range and virtuosity. With selections spanning forty years, from the fable-like "The Little Girl and the Rapeseed Flower" to the psychologically complex "A Gray Moon," this collection delineates the development of Shiga's rare genius.
The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (Vintage Summer) - Thryft
Sold out
Yukio Mishima | Vintage

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (Vintage Summer)

RM16.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.86

RM16.00 MYR

A band of savage thirteen-year-old boys reject the adult world as illusory, hypocritical, and sentimental. When the mother of one of them begins an affair with a ship's officer, he and his friends idealise the man at first; but it is not long before they conclude that he is in fact soft and romantic. They regard this disillusionment as an act of betrayal on his part - their retribution is deliberate and horrifying.Yukio Mishma was born into a samurai family and imbued with the code of complete control over mind and body, and loyalty to the Emperor - the same code that produced the austerity and self-sacrifice of Zen. He wrote countless short stories and thirty-three plays, in some of which he acted. Several films have been made from his novels, including The Sound of Waves; Enjo, which was based on The Temple of the Golden Pavilion; and The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea. Among his other works are the novels Confessions of a Mask and Thirst for Love and the short-story collections Death in Midsummer and Acts of Worship.
How We Disappeared
Sold out
Jing-Jing Lee | Oneworld Publications

How We Disappeared

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.2

RM33.00 MYR

48% off est. retail
"How We Disappeared" is not just a book; it's a journey through the silent echoes of the past, where pain and resilience bleed into each other. If you were captivated by the depth and historical intricacies in "Pachinko," you'll find a similar heartfelt narrative here, one that weaves the struggle for identity amidst the brutal backdrop of war. Jing-Jing Lee offers a compelling story that honors the strength of the human spirit, making it a powerful read for anyone interested in the personal, often untold experiences of history.
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
Sold out
Philip Gabriel, Haruki Murakami  | Vintage Books, A Division Of Random House Llc, New York

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

RM31.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.87

RM31.00 MYR

If you've ever felt disconnected or sought closure from past relationships, Murakami's tale will likely resonate with you. This is not just a story, but a meditation on the perplexities of human connections, serving both as a mirror to your own experiences and as a window into the intricate Japanese culture that underpins the narrative. The sense of longing and the diligent pursuit of self-understanding might just echo your own journey.
I Am a Cat
Sold out
Aiko Ito, Graeme Wilson, Natsume Sōseki  | Tuttle Publishing

I Am a Cat

RM41.00 MYR RM19.00 MYR 54% off

Goodreads rating: 3.67

RM41.00 MYR RM19.00 MYR 54% off

71% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by Japanese society and history. Through the eyes of a witty stray kitten, Soseki Natsume effortlessly skewers the upper-middle-class follies of the Meiji era. With acerbic wit and sardonic commentary, this classic novel offers a captivating and humorous perspective on societal absurdities. A delightful read for those seeking a satirical take on Japanese culture and a glimpse into the mind of one of Japan's greatest literary figures.
Goodbye Tsugumi
Sold out
Banana Yoshimoto | Faber

Goodbye Tsugumi

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.76

RM33.00 MYR

"Goodbye Tsugumi" is a brilliant choice if you're interested in exploring intricate family dynamics set against the backdrop of a small seaside town in Japan. Banana Yoshimoto's delicate style captures the depths of human ties, offering a poignant, bittersweet novel that delves into the essence of change and acceptance.
Kitchen
Sold out
Megan Backus, Banana Yoshimoto  | Faber & Faber

Kitchen

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.9

RM33.00 MYR

"Kitchen" delves into the delicacy of human emotions, intertwining tales of love, grief, and identity against a modern Japanese backdrop. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit through personal connections and the comfort found in everyday life. Its concise and heartfelt narrative has the unique ability to leave a lasting impact, resonating with anyone who's ever sought solace in the simplest of places.
Blind Willow Sleeping Woman
Sold out
Philip Gabriel, Jay Rubin, Haruki Murakami  | Vintage International

Blind Willow Sleeping Woman

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.84

RM33.00 MYR

If you're drawn to the special brand of magic and realism that Murakami is renowned for, "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" is a collection that shouldn't be missed. The stories here are like puzzles, with pieces of the human experience beautifully interwoven with the bizarre, whisking you on a journey through the surreal. Perfect for those moments when you crave an escape from the everyday into a world that's both familiar and wonderfully strange.
Revenge - Thryft
Sold out
Yōko Ogawa, Stephen Snyder  | Vintage

Revenge

RM26.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.04

RM26.00 MYR

A woman goes into a bakery to buy a strawberry cream tart. The place is immaculate but there is no one serving so she waits. Another customer comes in. The woman tells the new arrival that she is buying her son a treat for his birthday. Every year she buys him his favourite cake; even though he died in an accident when he was six years old.From this beginning Yoko Ogawa weaves a dark and beautiful narrative that pulls together a seemingly disconnected cast of characters. In the tradition of classical Japanese poetic collections, the stories in Revenge are linked through recurring images and motifs, as each story follows on from the one before while simultaneously introducing new characters and themes. Filled with breathtaking images, Ogawa provides us with a slice of life that is resplendent in its chaos, enthralling in its passion and chilling in its cruelty.~from the back coverAfternoon at the bakery --Fruit juice --Old Mrs. J --The little dustman --Lab coats --Sewing for the heart --Welcome to the museum of torture --The man who sold braces --The last hour of the Bengal tiger --Tomatoes and the full moon --Poison plants
The Decay Of The Angel - Thryft
Sold out
Edward G. Seidensticker, Yukio Mishima  | Vintage

The Decay Of The Angel

RM24.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.13

RM24.00 MYR

The dramatic climax of "The Sea of Fertility" tetraology takes place in the late 1960s. Honda, now an aged and wealthy man, discovers and adopts a sixteen-year-old orphan, Toru, as his heir, identifying him with the tragic protagonists of the three previous novels, each of whom died at the age of twenty. Honda raises and educates the boy, yet watches him, waiting.
The Box Man - Thryft
Sold out
Kōbō Abe | Vintage

The Box Man

RM27.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.61

RM27.00 MYR

Kobo Abe, the internationally acclaimed author of Woman in the Dunes, combines wildly imaginative fantasies and naturalistic prose to create narratives reminiscent of the work of Kafka and Beckett.In this eerie and evocative masterpiece, the nameless protagonist gives up his identity and the trappings of a normal life to live in a large cardboard box he wears over his head. Wandering the streets of Tokyo and scribbling madly on the interior walls of his box, he describes the world outside as he sees or perhaps imagines it, a tenuous reality that seems to include a mysterious rifleman determined to shoot him, a seductive young nurse, and a doctor who wants to become a box man himself. The Box Man is a marvel of sheer originality and a bizarrely fascinating fable about the very nature of identity.Translated from the Japanese by E. Dale Saunders.
The Great Passage - Thryft
Sold out
Shion Miura, Juliet Winters Carpenter  | Amazon Crossing

The Great Passage

RM22.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.81

RM22.00 MYR

"The Great Passage" would resonate with you if you find joy in the nuanced beauty of language and human connections. Shion Miura's storytelling weaves together the life of a passionate lexicographer and the charming intricacies of assembling a dictionary. It's a book that celebrates the perseverance and dedication to a craft while touching on the gentle sparks of love and unexpected friendships. It's an unexpectedly heartwarming tale for anyone who's ever been moved by the power of words.
The Miner - Thryft
Sold out
Jay Rubin, Natsume Sōseki, Haruki Murakami  | Aardvark Bureau

The Miner

RM28.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.96

RM28.00 MYR

The Miner is the most daringly experimental and least well known novel of the great Meiji novelist Natsume Soseki (1867-1916). Written in 1908, it is an absurdist novel about the indeterminate nature of human personality, which in many respects anticipates the work of Joyce and Beckett. Virtually devoid of plot and characterization, it unfolds entirely within the mind of the unnamed protagonist. Focusing on a young man whose love life has fallen to pieces, The Miner follows him as he flees from Tokyo, is picked up by a procurer of cheap labor for a copper mine, and then travels toward - and finally burrows into the depths of - the mine where he hopes to find oblivion. The young man reflects at length on nearly every thought and perception he experiences along the way, in terms of what the experience means to him at the time and in retrospect as a mature adult narrating the tale. The narrator concludes that there is no such thing as human character, and the many passages in which he ruminates on the nature of personality constitute the theoretical core of the book. The intellectual distancing carries over into the style of writing as well, and instead of a tragedy of alienation, we find here an absurdist - truly absurd and comical - allegory of descent into the psyche.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
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Haruki Murakami | Vintage Books

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.84

RM33.00 MYR

49% off est. retail
Murakami fans will revel in "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" as it weaves together the strange and the familiar in a tapestry of human emotion. If you appreciate stories that challenge reality and leave you pondering long after the last page, this collection will be a treasure trove. The dreamlike quality often found in Murakami's work is abundant here, enticing those who enjoy the blend of the everyday with the fantastical.
A Tale for the Time Being
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Ruth Ozeki | Penguin Books

A Tale for the Time Being

RM37.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.06

RM37.00 MYR

59% off est. retail
If you're drawn to novels that weave together distinct narratives across cultures and time, then "A Tale for the Time Being" is a book you shouldn't miss. Ruth Ozeki crafts a story that binds the loneliness of a Tokyo teenager with the curiosity of a novelist in British Columbia, creating a tapestry that feels both intimate and expansive. It's a thoughtful exploration of our shared humanity, striking a delicate balance between light-heartedness and the profound search for meaning.
Norwegian Wood - Thryft
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Jay Rubin, Haruki Murakami  | Vintage Books

Norwegian Wood

RM29.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.01

RM29.00 MYR

Toru, a quiet and preternaturally serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. Toru begins to adapt to campus life and the loneliness and isolation he faces there, but Naoko finds the pressures and responsibilities of life unbearable. As she retreats further into her own world, Toru finds himself reaching out to others and drawn to a fiercely independent and sexually liberated young woman. A magnificent blending of the music, the mood, and the ethos that was the sixties with the story of one college student's romantic coming of age, Norwegian Wood brilliantly recaptures a young man's first, hopeless, and heroic love.
After Dark - Thryft
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Haruki Murakami | Vintage International

After Dark

RM22.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.74

RM22.00 MYR

From the New York Times bestselling author—a gripping novel of late night encounters that’s “hypnotically eerie, sometimes even funny, but most of all … [a book] that keeps ratcheting up the suspense” ( The Washington Post Book World ).Nineteen-year-old Mari is waiting out the night in an anonymous Denny’s when she meets a young man who insists he knows her older sister, thus setting her on an odyssey through the sleeping city. In the space of a single night, the lives of a diverse cast of Tokyo residents—models, prostitutes, mobsters, and musicians—collide in a world suspended between fantasy and reality. Utterly enchanting and infused with surrealism, After Dark is a thrilling account of the magical hours separating midnight from dawn.
Pachinko : The New York Times Bestseller - Thryft
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Min Jin Lee | Head Of Zeus

Pachinko

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 4.34

RM33.00 MYR

"Pachinko" is a deep dive into the complexities of an immigrant family's life, blending intimate storytelling with historical context. It's not just a tale of survival, but also a portrayal of enduring cultural identity amidst discrimination and hardship. For those of you passionate about multi-generational epics and unflinching looks at the human spirit across decades, this book brings a heartfelt examination of identity, family, and the weight of history.
Convenience Store Woman
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Sayaka Murata, Ginny Tapley Takemori  | Granta Books

Convenience Store Woman

RM33.00 MYR

Goodreads rating: 3.67

RM33.00 MYR

If you've ever felt pressure to conform, "Convenience Store Woman" might resonate deeply with you. Sayaka Murata presents Keiko's story with such peculiar charm that it turns the mundane setting of a convenience store into a backdrop for self-discovery and societal critique. It's a compact tale but one that's rich with commentary on the oddities of normalcy.