3 comments about On Familiar Terms: To Japan and Back, a Lifetime Across Cultures (Kodansha Globe).

1. Donald Keene's personal story on his life-long devotion to the study of Japanese never fails to attract those interested in Japanese and Japan.

   I find his accidental first encounter with a strange language, Japanese, quite amusing. A mistake to put a record on a player has eventually led young Keene to dare to learn Japanese and finally to write one of the most comprehensive history of Japanese literature several years ago. My vivid memory is that on a new-year TV program Keene and a notable Japanese poet talked about Japanese literature. The Japanese poet was never equal to Keene on topics in Japanese literature. It might be true that Keene's profound knowledge and appreciation of Japanese literature has no rival even in Japan, maybe except Dr. Jinichi Konishi, Professor Emeritus of Tsukuba University.

   In this work, Keene puts an exciting and enchanting account of mishaps, adventures, good luck with Japanese which fascinated and nurtured the author as a distinguished Japan scholar.

   I especially love to read his struggle and clever strategy of how he finally reached Tokyo and then, without staying there for even a night he took a night train for Kyoto from which his literary quest originated.

   I believe we can enjoy reading detailed episodes that reveal his solid dedication and patience in learning Japanese and Japan. The author's well-thought-out expressions often help us discover the best way to describe in plain English some peculiar aspects of Japanese culture.




2. As someone living in Japan I enjoyed reading this book. Donald Keene is one of the great scholars on Japanese literature and equally at home in it's many facetted culture. The work Dr. Keene has delivered with this autobiography has the feel of many years of being submerged in a fascinating as well as a, for a Westerner, incredibly complex literary culture written in a wonderfully easy to understand style. Not only for those interested in Japanese literature and culture, but also for those who just want to have a good read. While traveling or before going to sleep. Nothing deep, but personal and a joy to read!



3. Donald Keene is not only one of the WestÕs great literary and cultural translators of Japan, he is an important figure in the history of modern Japanese literature. In this readable and inspiring autobiography, Keene succinctly recalls his experiences with Japan, its language and its culture, and the numerous academic and literary figures he has encountered.

   Keene, like many early Japan scholars in the United States, was initially trained by the military for intelligence work during World War II in the Pacific. Most of the book deals with his life between the war years, when he first struggled with the Japanese language, through the 1960s, when he was at the height of his associations with such famous Japanese writers as Yasunari Kawabata, Kobo Abe and Yukio Mishima. Keene was a great fan of Mishima, who is probably the most legendary Japanese writer in the West. Keene knew him well professionally, and openly discusses his efforts to lobby for a Nobel Prize for Mishima. He also talks about the dejection that overtook Mishima for never winning. Keene relates his own sense of loss at the suicides of both Kawabata and, especially, Mishima, and even finds fault with himself for not recognizing sooner the trajectory of MishimaÕs demise.

   Keene's autobiography is highly recommended to anyone interested in the literature or scholarship of Japan, as well as to anyone interested in the life of an unusual and inspiring individual.

4 comments about Revolt in Paradise (Griffin Paperback).

1. Revolt in Paradise is a classic and it is good to see it in print again after a long absence. It is rather hard to classify this book: maybe autobiography, perhaps historical novel, possibly adventure story. On the face of it, it purports to be autobiographical: the story of a British-born American woman's fifteen years in Indonesia in the 1930s and 1940s. Doubt has been cast on its accuracy and indeed the author beings the book by saying, `It is always difficult to be completely honest about oneself'. This does not matter. It's a great story.
   
   The story is divided into three parts. The first part tells of her time in Bali. In 1932 in Hollywood she saw the film Bali,The Last Paradise and shortly after set sail from New York on a cargo ship. She was an artist and made for Bali immediately after arriving in Java. Like all visitors at that time she stayed in the Dutch owned Bali Hotel in Denpasar. She felt, however, that this was not Bali but Holland, part of the colonial masters' country, and determined to leave as quickly as possible and live in a Balinese village. Such a thing was unheard of in those days but she hated the Dutch attitudes. She took off in her car, driving herself, and decided to stop when she ran out of petrol. The car happened to halt outside a Rajah's palace and although she does not mention it I have it on good authority that it was the palace of Bangli.
   
   She was accepted as one of the family and given a Balinese name - K'tut Tantri. K'tut is the fourth-born child - the Rajah already had three. In this section she describes what it was like to live with a royal family. She describes the various ceremonies she attended and trips she took. She also tells of run-ins and arguments with the Dutch authorities. They did not approve and schemed to deport her, but never succeeded. Her analysis is not terribly profound - the Balinese are all wonderful and the Dutch are all terrible. She herself is heroic and brilliant at all things. She formed a very close relationship with the Rajah's son Agung Nura. My informant tells me that she formed an even closer relationship with the Rajah himself. Agung Nura was active in the independence movement, which K'tut Tanri later joined.
   
   She found palace life a bit restrictive and unrepresentative of real Bali life and moved out and as she put it, `bought practically the whole of Kuta beach'. Here she put up a hotel in partnership with some Americans. This is a delightful section of the book despite the fact that she fell out with the Americans. The accounts of her relationships with her staff are endearing and clearly affectionate. The first hotel in Kuta seems to have been very popular. It was not a financial success, however, and she ran into difficulties with the Dutch authorities. Europe was at war. Germany invaded Holland and Japan invaded Indonesia - they landed in Bali first. The Dutch did not fire a shot in defence and fled to Java. It was no longer safe. K'tut Tantri left for Surabaya in East Java. The hotel was demolished by looters permitted by the Japanese.
   
   The second section of the book recounts her time in Japanese occupied Java. The Dutch quickly surrendered. She was able to negotiate travel passes with the Japanese and helped the underground resistance movement against the Japanese. She narrates stories of arms smuggling and tales of derring-do. K'tut Tanti always plays a starring role. Finally she was caught and imprisoned for more than two years until almost the end of the war. She was tortured and the descriptions are quite harrowing.
   
   The third and final section of the book describes the long independence struggle and her part in it. After the war the Dutch wanted to come back to Indonesia as overlords. The English helped them and bombed Surabaya, which was unarmed and did not have air-raid shelters, for three consecutive days. The blood of hundreds was shed. Women and children died. It was a turning point for K'tut Tantri and she determined to help the Indonesians again. She broadcast twice nightly in English from secret radio stations run by the guerillas. By this means she brought the struggle to the attention of the World and became known herself as Surabaya Sue. She also helped spread the word in an English language magazine called The Voice of Free Indonesia. She met and wrote a speech for President Sukarno. There were more cloak and dagger escapades until she went to Australia and toured the main cities publicizing Indonesia's case for freedom. Finally six years after the War ended World opinion forced the Dutch to grant Indonesia her independence.
   
   The book ends there; K'tut Tanti drifts back to New York. After all the excitement it is rather an anti-climax and the reader is left dangling wanting to know more. Whether or not it is all true, it's a jolly good read.
   
   Murni
   Ubud, Bali



2. I was surprised to learn about the Dutch atrocities in Indonesia. The Japanese were bad enough and there are plenty accounts of their inhumane treatment of natives in conquered countries. However, what the Dutch did before and after the war was not good. In light of the current times torturing of others is unacceptable. Perps, no matter where they reside, White House included, should never be given a free pass on this behavior. They should all be hunted down and punished for their crimes against humanity. This is a fantastic account of human tragedy that should be brought to light and pursued for accountability.



3. As a fan of historical fiction, I was greatly pleased to come across this book of historical...history? *grin* This autobiography is well written and compelling. Having lived in Indonesia for a number of years (and having visited Bali), I found it really fascinating. I think anyone would enjoy it, though. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with world history.



4. Very good book. Tells a fascinating story about the author's life in Indonesia. Brave lady who was willing to risk everything for all she believed in.Vivid picture of Bali and the situation there, and the people and culture.

5 comments about Give Us This Day.

1. Yes it sounds oxymoronic but it is so! Sidney Stewart manages to make us share the most awful condtions human beings can be submitted to but never get desperate about a possible change.A lesson of humility and courage.



2. In this picture of the Bataan Death march, you will see it from a totally unique point of view. The atrocities, pain and suffering remain the same as in all accounts, but the element of faith stands alone as the catalyst for survival. The faith of a Godly priest and the faith of those men around him. Sidney Stewart didn't hate his captors in spite of their brutality. He had faith in God and his fellow man. That faith was laced by a tenacity and will to live that is seldom seen. No matter how many books you have read on this subject, you MUST read this one. it will humble you.



3. I cannot recommend this book more highly if, for no other reason, than to help us value freedom and recognize what has been..and is being...lost to preserve it. This is an astounding story.
   
   Mr. Stewart describes his experiences after the fall of Bataan in prose that I could not. He was...calm, objective, fair. The torture, starvation, suffering, and gross and endless inhumanity were beyond my capacity for such rational treatment.
   
   When you read a chapter, you go, "My God, that was unbelievable." Then the next chapter exceeds the previous. This goes on throughout the book and that is why I could not put it down.
   
   I didn't get the sense Mr. Stewart had any agenda in writing this book, but there are very powerful lessons to be learned. First, de-emphasize your problems and consider yourself very blessed - it's a matter of perspective and if you don't get it from this book, you never will. Second, freedom is not free and the price becomes infinite if you wait for the bad guys to act first.



4. I first read this book about 35 years ago when I found in my summer camp's library. Turns out my father, who survived Bataan and spent the rest of the war as a POW, knew the author while imprisoned. He said it was as accurate a portrayal as he had seen.



5. Stewart's memoir of the appalling horrors of the Bataan Death March are a testimony to the heights and depths of humanity. His gripping description of the battle and experiences of captivity continue to inspire and shock sixty years later. Every student of World War II and history should read this story. I've often wondered what became of Mr. Stewart after the war and what the families of his comrades who did not survive their ordeal thought of their loved ones' heroism. Father Cummings should have been canonized or beatified. A must read.

1 comments about Adios to Tears: The Memoirs of a Japanese-Peruvian Internee in U.S. Concentration Camps.

1. This is a book written by my Grandfather. It is about how while living in Peru, he and his family were taken to an internment camp in the United States during World War II. What I really like about his retelling of this time of his life is that he stays so positive. Everything was taken away from him. Yet, he knows that he can rebuild and live a better life here in America. I am proud of the life he lived. I am thankful that he succeeded here so that I could live in this great nation, too.

4 comments about Combat Chaplain: The Personal Story of the WWII Chaplain of the Japanese American 100th Battalion (A Latitude 20 Book).

1. This is the greatest book. The Chaplain who lived this experience was very brave, caring and brilliant.



2. When my aunt told me about this book being published, I found and purchased it. The author, Monica Yost, was a high school classmate and friend of mine who I had lost touch with over the years. I started reading the last part of the book first about his family and now have a deeper respect for this Combat Chaplain and admiration for Monica for publishing this labor of love. I plan to read the entire book in the near future. My best wishes go to the whole family whom were blessed with his presence and guidance.



3. I purchased the book for my mom. Pastor Yost was the pastor at the church where she grew up and he confirmed her. She is enjoying the book very much.



4. Our present day army has only a relatively few divisions when compared to the 99 divisions it had at the end of World War II. As it has gotten deactivated divisions, it has retained the divisions that hold the highest honor. The 1st Division and the 29th Division went into Omaha on D-Day; they are still Army divisions.
   
   The 100th Battalion of the 442 still exists.
   
   The 100th entered combat with 1,432 men. Its nickname was 'Go For Broke.' It alsoearned the nickname 'Purple Heart Battalion' as it was depleted down to 521 men by 1944.
   
   This book is by the chaplain of the 100th. It is based on letters that he wrote home, the journal he kept while in Europe and comments from members of his family and of the 100th. It was put together by Rev. Yost and was been prepared for more formal publication by his daughter after his death. It's a very worthwhile book, presenting an entirely different view that that usually seen by soldiers or commanders.
   
   If you can read the appendix, which is a memorial speech he gave at a reunion of the 100th without tearing up, you have no soul.
   
   To go with this book, I recommend the old Van Johnson movie 'Go For Broke.'

1 comments about My Thirty-Three Years' Dream, the Autobiography of Miyazaki Toten (Princeton Library of Asian Translations).

1. If you're studying Sino-Japanese relations, this book will fascinate you. Toten gives us history, adventure and touching human frailty all mixed together in his account of wanting to work for the greater good of China and Asia as a whole. His approach to China's plight was different from Fukuzawa's and Arao Sei's. I can't do this story justice in a short review. Look. Just buy it. It is so cheap and so darn good you will never regret it.

No comments about Unexpected Destinations: The Poignant Story of Japan's First Vassar Graduate.

1 comments about Brothers from Bataan: Pows, 1942-1945.

1. Brothers From Bataan is a book that should be required reading in every High School History class. Like Tom Brokaws new book about the generation that fought WW II, Brothers From Bataan give the reader a true appreciation for what these brave men suffered for their country. It's compelling reading, although difficult at times because of the emotions it draws from the reader. Mr. Martin has made this story - a very personal one for him and his family - a very personal one for the reader as well.

2 comments about They Can't Take That Away from Me: The Odyssey of an American Pow.

1. This is not a book for just WWII buffs. I guarantee that anyone who appreciates fascinating and well-written non-fiction with an original angle will love They Can't Take That Away From Me. What sold me was the unique and artistic style employed in this POW memoir; it brought a fresh perspective to Ralph Rentz's struggle, triumph and the invincibility of his nightmare.



2. They Can't Take That Away From Me truly is an odyssey of one, rather atypical, American POW. However, it is more than just a "Sentimental Journey". This memoir is unlike any other WWII story, in that it reaches beyond the prosaic collage of nostalgic gore and glory and invites the reader to hear the song inside the bruised head of a musician who finds himself without his band, his saxophone and clarinet, without his freedom and even his own sanity, but never without his music. It is a tough tale, but it is softened with a lyrical literary style that makes it flow like the Pacific. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about music, adventure and inimitable tragedy.

2 comments about The Silver Drum: A Japanese Imperial Memoir (Global Oriental).

1. While I enjoyed this quick, easy memoire of Japan's Princess Chichibu, sister-in-law to Emperor Hirihito, I couldn't help but be accutely aware of the glaring ommisions the Princess (or the Japanese Imperial Family) chose to make. For instance, the events of World War II are mentioned almost casually. While the Princess admits to being concerned for her country and for her American and British friends during this period, she appears cold and out-of-touch in relation to current events. Granted, this lack of emotion and information is most definitely due to censorship by the Japanese Imperial Family, who have for centuries made an impressive show of unemotional disconnectedness with their people. The princess does admit at the end of the book that she feared the Imperial Family was out of touch with real people, and this statement helps the reader to better understand why the Princess behaved as she did throughout her life.

   Dorothy Britton's translation of the Princess' memoire is halting and riddled with typographical errors. However, these faults do not impose too much upon the story - they almost help to bring the voice of the princess alive, as one can imagine Princess Chichibu reading her story aloud in hesitant English.

   As a whole, this glimpse into the daily life of a member of Japanese royalty is very interesting, even if it appears to only scratch the surface. It is understandable that the Princess was restricted in what she was able to portray regarding political sentiments and other members of the royal family. She does her best to give an honest account of her own personal life, and chooses to focus on details of cermonies and her day-to-day activities. I believe that "The Silver Drum" is the only memoire of a member of the modern Japanese royal family, and the princess was a pioneer in reaching out to the public to make the aloof family more accessible.




2. This is the English translation of a book written by a Japanese princess. Born a 'commoner' and educated in America, she was unexpectedly chosen to marry Prince Chichibu, younger brother of Emperor Hirohito. The story of her early life set mainly in America is interesting, and her description of the days leading up to her wedding, and the wedding itself, are a fascinating account to anyone interested in Japanese royalty and tradition. After that her discussion of married life becomes more of a diary of events which covers the war and post war years in Japan. To those interested in Japanese life, her recount of these years will seem rather stiff and factual and not embellished with interesting aspects of royal life, or even her married life. It is obvious she was very fond of her husband but never really opens up on any very personal feelings, as a Western writer might. She avoids any criticism of either side in the war years, but makes it clear that she was sad to see her birth country fighting with her 'adopted countries', as both herself and the Prince had close ties with England and America. The reason for this impartiality of course is that the book was originally written for Japanese readers and this is reflected in the style of writing which is largely impersonal and factual. Still, the story of her husband's attempts to beat turbuculosis and their lives in postwar Japan make interesting reading. It is obvious that even though their lives were privileged as Japanese Royalty, they were always concerned with the plight of ordinary people everywhere. After her husband's death the Princess became very involved with charities and social welfare organisations, and was very much loved and admired .