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Title: A gem of a book
Review: This book single-handedly introduced me to a whole swathe of Japanese writers that I would otherwise have never known about - largely because the main body of their work has never been translated or become popular outside their native Japan. The stories, arranged in chronological order, gives the reader a unique (albeit potted) insight into the history of Japanese fiction and reveals a side of the Japanese people that we in the West are often unfamiliar with. The stories range widely in style and subject, some very simple and reflective, others semi-autobiographical, some humourous, some shocking and risque. All in all I felt the collection was a wonderful reflection of the Japanese culture and people; full of depth and insight, warmth and intrigue. A gem of a book that I've recommended and bought as a gift for countless friends.
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