"In the face of misery he saw in his homeland, the artist Masuji Ono was unwilling to devote his art solely to the celebration of physical beauty....he put his work to the service of the imperialist movement that led Japan to WWII....Now, as the mature Ono struggles with the devastation of that war, his memories of his youth and of the "floating world" - offer him both escape and redemption."

Saving for zzz in Serbia.

I've been recommending this book to everyone since I've finished. It's a great commentary on political art and the feeling of accepting or refusing guilt for ones' part in political propoganda.

My favorite character was Ono's grandson, the author captured perfectly the mannerisms of a seven year old boy.

What a fabulous surprise!!! Package arrived few days ago (but I was absent).
I expected autographs but CD! I'm totally speechless!
"Shanna & the Hawk" officially has one fan here in Serbia. You're living now in my CD player...:-)
Thank you so, so, SO much!

Kazuo Ishiguro is definitively one of my favorite contemporary writers and this novel is surely reminding me why? An Artist of the Floating World is first Ishiguro's novel that I've read which is settled in Japan and it brings such a fabulous picture of so many aspects of Japan society, tradition, culture and at the end, evolution. But more than anything it brings such a perfect picture of Japanese character. Magnificent indeed!
Lessons about Japanese role in WWII in school were inferior comparing with European part in all that and therefore my knowledge about this issue was not impressive at all. I knew only general, basic things and to be honest I never thought about how one Japanese (aggressor) looks on WW? Here we "can" see how art can be used in politic purposes and then how can ones handle with guilt and errors from the past. Book is no longer in my possession and therefore I cannot write quote from dialog of two old men but it's something like this:" At least we have thought that we are doing right thing and we've done the best we could do" Yes, but aren't we all doing things because we think they're right? I don't know, maybe I cannot swallow this excuse that easy because I've heard the same sentence too many times right here in my own backyard from many sides when battlefield has become only field once again.
The strangest thing is the fact that no matter where crime is committed the basic goal, the basic idea and therefore the ultimate excuse are universal. Unfortunately conciseness, admitting errors and self punishment; undergo catharsis is everything but universal. Instead of those we have more and more excuses and at the end the worst thing: justifying crime by another crime ... and here we go again ... But in Ishiguro's book, catharsis is so normal that the reader as well as characters is experiencing it. That positive energy of youngsters in the book is magnificent which is what impressed me the most.
How youngsters are looking into the future and build that future with such an enthusiasm. During that physical transformation of the cities much more impressive is that metal one. Oh we here have so many things to learn from Japanese.
Also cultural difference is breathtaking. Marriage custom, way of conversation between family members or student and teacher even the manner of behaving to someone who you hate is so ... well I guess: Japanese *lol*

therubycanary thank you so much once again for sending me such a lovely novel which I surely do recommend! As I wrote book is no longer in my possession. I hope new reader will enjoy as much as I did.



This is Kazuo Ishiguro!

zzz sent this to me as part of the 'Spring Fling' exchange on BookRelay.com. After having read Never Let Me Go earlier this year, I added this to my Wishlist - can't wait to read it. Thanks again zzz, I couldn't have asked for a better partner! *kiss*

received this as part of the Asian Swap

I really do love Ishiguro's style of writing. Ishiguro's description of places and events is so well done.

Masuji Ono was a renown artist who has retired after WWII. He was a political artist who now believes he made 'mistakes' in good faith. Ishiguro writes about Ono's reflection and his inner turmoil. Ono seems to not have suffered any consequences of his actions although a colleague did. Of course there is no 'good' answer to any of this.

The cultural differences between Japan and Canada are so fascinating to read about. Marraige negotiations,even relationships between people are so different. Personally I thought Ichiro was an ill-mannered little boy. But this is again obviously is a culturl difference

Mailed today to Cherie for Candy-is-Dandy's M-Bag

Received today for Candy's m-bag. Will journal again when sent. ($2 received. Thx Ace!) ::hug::

m-bag mailed to candy-is-dandy on 8/5/08.

The M-bag arrived safely. Thanks so much to ace and cherie for passing on this book. Apologies for the delay in journalling.

Picked up at B&F OBCZ.

Taken to a bookcrossing meet-up at the new OBCZ at this delightful tearoom. To fill the brand new bookshelves on the first floor. Yummy coffee & walnut cake too.

Reminded me of The Remains of the Day. Very understated and another thought provoking novel (2nd one in a row). Like one of the previous readers my favourite character was Ishiro - Ono's grandson.

Thank's to the BookMooch.com member who sent me this!