Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

This is probably my favourite of the three Banana Yoshimoto books I've read so far. Asleep contains three short stories that all feature sleep (or the lack of it) in some way, and also carry similar themes of death/loss and love. Yoshimoto's writing has that familiar quality that I've noticed contemporary Japanese literature often has, a very minimal approach that is at the same time wildly evocative. Yoshimoto's is some of the best I've read in a while though, and her prose surrounded me like a soft fluffy cloud, despite the often melancholy subject matter. Despite being set in the real world, her subtle touches of magical realism were enough to draw me into a more private space. My only qualm with the collection is that I think the first and last stories (Night and Night's Travelers and Asleep) are far better than the middle story Love Songs, which I don't feel particularly fussed about revisiting. Definitely one to check out though if you like Japanese literature, particularly this translation by Michael Emmerich.