Published May 1, 2020
I like this novel that follows the stray dog Tamon into the homes and lives of several different people along his five-year journey to find his original owner.
The dog stays with successive new
owners, a few of whom are connected to the yakuza (mob), until they can no longer keep the dog or are not in a
position to look after him. This was a good way to move the story
forward.
I also liked the ending when Tamon's true and newfound owner connects with the family of the first
person who took the dog in. There is pathos and true
sentiment in the relationships with his owners as Tamon was seen as a gift from the gods and a symbol of good luck.
Older
children and adults would enjoy the book without, hopefully, being too
affected by some of the sadder and more serious events in the stories.
Bando graduated with a BA from Yokohama City University in 1987.
A few of his novels were adapted into Asian films, such as The City of Lost Souls and Sleepless Town, in 2000 and 1998, respectively.
This review has been added to the Japanese Literature Challenge 16 hosted by DolceBellezza
This book sounds utterly delightful. :D
ReplyDeleteIt was great fun to read.
DeleteI just love books about dogs. This sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lucky dog, too!
DeleteOh I had not seen this one yet, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnd talking of dogs, I'm so enjoying I Am a Cat, by Natsume Soseki - I am actually listening to it
Lots of cat books written by Japanese authors! Have you seen this one, The Cat Who Saved Books.
Deletehttps://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/2023/02/sunday-salon-two-japanese-novels-with.html
yes, on my TBR!
DeleteThis sounds interesting. I want to explore different books this year.
ReplyDeleteIt's an easy read.
DeleteSounds interesting to me as I don't read many books with stray dogs as part of the characters. And for a moment, I thought I read 周星驰 there, lol.
ReplyDeleteMore info on the author:
DeleteHis pen name is based on the Chinese name of the director Stephen Chow (Director of Kung Fu Hustle) Chow Sing-chi(周星馳) written backward then rendered in Japanese.
You are on a roll with the Japanese Lit challenge!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed doing it. The challenge ends this month.
DeleteOne of the things most people can agree upon is a love for stories about animals. This one sounds particularly good.
ReplyDeleteYes, unusual plot.
DeleteSounds good! Added it.
ReplyDelete