Journal Entry 1 by zzz from Rakovica, City of Belgrade Serbia on Monday, June 27, 2011

Oh I wanna eat a persimmon now :)

I can't remember when was the last time I've read historical fiction so this was kind of breath of fresh air. The story is really nicely packed into the tiny island of Dejima, Japan at the end of 18th and beginning of 19th century.

Discovering Dejima (artificial island built in the bay of Nagasaki that served as the only (!) place o9f trade between Japan and rest of the world) was amazing. It tells so much about Japan during Edo period when the country was literally hermetically closed (no one could get in and no one could get out; punishment was death). As David Mitchell said in the interview on WHYY that Japan is pretty much alike nowadays North Korea.

So that was the background: feudal Japan, completely unknown to the outside world and as the only window that might give a glimpse of the country a tiny Dejima in the hand of the Dutch. Corruption, bribes, prostitutes, power, abuse of power, moral human detritus and of course the opposite (as an equilibrium) loyalty, human values that are shining against the mentioned scene.
We can see how and what made the world go round but of course it is also one deeply personal story... that involves (what else than) love.

First part (that describes historical background) was a little bit odd, then goes second part with (a personal story) that really easy to follow but somehow I had a feeling that the characters lacked the strength. Goodness of some of them was quite irrational but then we're talking abut Japan and even more feudal Japan where honour is paramount characteristic so looking from that perspective it makes sense. And then third part and end of the book was kind of sprinting toward the final page (not in reading but in writing). OK this might sound strange considering that I'm talking about 570 page novel but yes, end came too fast.

And the language and how Mitchell used it was sheer brilliance. This was without any doubt one of the linguistically richest novel I've read in years. I have to admit I had to consult dictionary from time to time but that extra work has been highly rewarded.

I'm highly recommending this book to all interested in Far East, its history, historical fiction.

here is the interview D. Mitchell gave to WHYY: David Mitchell on 'The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet'  

Journal Entry 2 by zzz at a wonderful friend, RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Released 7 mos ago (10/18/2011 UTC) at a wonderful friend, RABCK -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I bought this book because it was part of wishlist even before it was published and I enjoyed immensely (this was quite serious candidate for a Best of 2011 Swap) but then I thought this might actually be great birthday gift to my dear Marlene. After all I've heard so many times her voice pronouncing all those Dutch names. Plus she loves historical fiction and this was a hell of a historical novel (her motherland involved) so ... :)

Marlene remember one conversation few months ago:
ME: I'm reading one book that is constantly reminding me of you
YOU: well I need some nice words at the moment. Which book? grrrr I wanna knowhooooooo
ME: history of Dutch colonialism and atrocities natives suffered during colonial rule
*whistle*
YOU: ugh. and that makes you think of me. Okay thanks a lot.

Well I was reading this one :)
I have no idea why I didn't send it sooner as I planned. This apparently will not be a b-day gift so Happy October! (in case this arrives in October. If not than Happy November!)

PS - Only after I came back from post office I've noticed that the card I aimed to send you remained on the desk. oh well...  

Journal Entry 3 by CrazyDutchwoman at Heemstede, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Sunday, October 23, 2011

Milan!! Thanks so much! Finally found some time to unwrap your gift. The plywood is done downstairs today by my dad and brother in law. Lying in bed now and it does not happen a lot that I receive books because I do not sent any either. (Blush) I am going to wild release a lot of books soon though. Anyway. The title reminded me of something and it did sound Dutch so when I read the last part of your JE I remembered. Read the first page and cannot wait to read. his is what I love, finding books, literature, or non genre books that I can read, finding jewels or receiving them. I am good in buying true crime but I love other genres, especially non genre but find it hard to pick what I'd like. Thanks so much.What a coincidence that we chatted yesterday for the first time in ages. xxx