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Recognized throughout the world for his brilliance as a novelist and playwright, Yukio Mishima is also noted as a master of the short story in his native Japan, where the form is practiced as a major art. Nine of his finest stories were selected by Mishima himself for translation in this book; they represent his extraordinary ability to depict, with deftness and penetration, a wide variety of human beings in moments of significance. Often his characters are sophisticated modern Japanese who turn out to be not so liberated from the past as they had thought.In the title story, "Death in Midsummer," which is set at a beach resort, a triple tragedy becomes a cloud of doom that requires exorcising. In another, "Patriotism," a young army officer and his wife choose a way of vindicating their belief in ancient values that is as violent as it is traditional; it prefigured his own death by seppuku in November 1970. There is a story in which the sad truth of the relationship between a businessman and his former mistress is revealed through a suggestion of the unknown, and another in which a working-class couple, touching in their simple love for each other, pursue financial security by rather shocking means.Also included is one of Mishima's "modern Nō plays," remarkable for the impact which its brevity and uncanny intensity achieve. The English versions have been done by four outstanding translators: Donald Keene, Ivan Morris, Geoffrey Sargent, and Edward Seidensticker.Photograph on back cover by T. Kamiya; cover design by David Ford

Pachinko is an excellent read for those who enjoy family sagas with a touch of historical fiction. The book takes us through four generations of a Korean family's story set in Japan, spanning over eight decades. The author, Min Jin Lee, masterfully weaves together themes of identity, love, death, and survival against the backdrop of historical events. The characters are well-developed, and the reader witnesses their growth and development throughout the book. Pachinko is a powerful story that shows the resilience and compassion of a family in the face of adversity. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in the characters and their journey.

"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.

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.

Murakami's "Kafka on the Shore" is a work that challenges the boundaries between the fantastical and the mundane. If you're drawn to stories that weave complex narratives with elements of magic realism, this book will captivate you. As you follow Kafka's runaway journey and Nakata's peculiar life, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where cats converse and metaphysical puzzles abound. Prepare for an enthralling experience that isn't just about the destination, but the mesmerizing path you take to get there.

"Strange Weather in Tokyo" could be just the book for you if you're intrigued by explorations of poignant human connections set against the backdrop of cultural rituals and seasonal change. Hiromi Kawakami has crafted a narrative that's both delicate and deeply resonant, capturing a romance that defies societal norms. It's a tale that invites introspection and offers a gentle, thoughtful dive into the complexity of love and loneliness.