From the opening chapters, it is clear that The Last Paper Crane is about a secret from the past, a secret about the events that unfolded in Hiroshima that is still leaving a shadow in the present. The sample ends on the practically unbeatable cliff-hanger of the atomic bomb being dropped, and it’s properly frustrating not to be able to read on at this point. What exactly is Grandfather so ashamed about? How does it tie in with wider events surrounding the aftermath of the bombing? When looking back from a modern perspective, did he really do anything worthy of carrying such a burden of guilt?
Mizuki’s present-day narrative is told in an unusual way, in verse form rather than in prose, and it would be interesting to see if the reasoning behind this stylistic choice is explained/becomes apparent as the story progresses. It’s somehow almost tempting to read the verse at pace, but to do so would be to do a disservice to the story.
Grandfather’s 1945-set narrative is written in a more traditional format, which will presumably serve to reveal the mystery behind his guilt. It’s actually unusual to read a book set, at least in part, during the events of the Hiroshima bombing, as most books seem to deal with the aftermath, so it’ll be interesting to see how Kerry Drewery portrays what started off as an ordinary (albeit wartime) day and ended as a kind of hell on Earth. The scene featuring Grandfather and his friend, just before the bomb was dropped, is so normal and universe, but hindsight means that there’s a sense of menace hanging over the whole thing.
This sample of The Last Paper Crane introduces some intriguing characters and sets the scene for a powerful, emotional story – I really want to read more.
Mizuki’s present-day narrative is told in an unusual way, in verse form rather than in prose, and it would be interesting to see if the reasoning behind this stylistic choice is explained/becomes apparent as the story progresses. It’s somehow almost tempting to read the verse at pace, but to do so would be to do a disservice to the story.
Grandfather’s 1945-set narrative is written in a more traditional format, which will presumably serve to reveal the mystery behind his guilt. It’s actually unusual to read a book set, at least in part, during the events of the Hiroshima bombing, as most books seem to deal with the aftermath, so it’ll be interesting to see how Kerry Drewery portrays what started off as an ordinary (albeit wartime) day and ended as a kind of hell on Earth. The scene featuring Grandfather and his friend, just before the bomb was dropped, is so normal and universe, but hindsight means that there’s a sense of menace hanging over the whole thing.
This sample of The Last Paper Crane introduces some intriguing characters and sets the scene for a powerful, emotional story – I really want to read more.