This is so beautifully written, with Mizuki's words, considered and aesthetic, reminding me of Japanese poetry. An emotionally raw and fraught story that nevertheless seeks to show the beauty of words, indeed the importance of words in ensuring that memories are not forgotten and need to be shared.
With Grandfather's story using the more recognised format of story writing in its layout in contrast, the two styles interestingly differentiate the generations, but with the younger family member using a more traditionally Japanese style, perhaps to emphasise their understanding of the importance of the words of those who have gone before in what they have to tell us.
This takes a horrific, historic event that we probably think we know a lot about, and gives it an intensely individual human perspective.
I find Japan a very interesting country, both historically and culturally, and I would like to see how much more this book can help me understand history from a personal viewpoint, even if it's a fictional one. I want to know Grandfather's experience and how it affected his life afterwards, and what impact his memories have on Mizuki.
With Grandfather's story using the more recognised format of story writing in its layout in contrast, the two styles interestingly differentiate the generations, but with the younger family member using a more traditionally Japanese style, perhaps to emphasise their understanding of the importance of the words of those who have gone before in what they have to tell us.
This takes a horrific, historic event that we probably think we know a lot about, and gives it an intensely individual human perspective.
I find Japan a very interesting country, both historically and culturally, and I would like to see how much more this book can help me understand history from a personal viewpoint, even if it's a fictional one. I want to know Grandfather's experience and how it affected his life afterwards, and what impact his memories have on Mizuki.