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Asleep by Banana Yoshimoto
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Three stories that tell of young women who are waiting. They wait for whatever they believe will make everything all right in their worlds. Sometimes sleep helps them wait. The various states of slumber are both mysterious and magical. They all wait to hear the still small voice within that announces it’s okay, you may stop waiting and awaken to life. Each character looks for a way to remain calm and find their peace while dealing with guilt, ghosts and loss. They are at home in the world of visions and dreams. They come to learn the unique qualities of friendships with other women, discovering this as a necessary part of a whole. They guide one another to determine what sacrifices, if any, a person might make to find a way forward. The writing is both exhilarating and tranquil. You can almost hear the character’s murmurs and worried whispers to themselves and their friends. At times crystal clear, at times indecisive but always persuasive. They wait, sleep and evolve. Stories that ask the reader to take the time out of time, to look back, reflect on what was, and realize what may be, all the while painting a gorgeous picture of their minds. Listen to what the characters have to say to themselves in the silence - asleep or awake.
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Reading Progress

April 4, 2019 – Shelved
April 4, 2019 – Shelved as: to-read
May 1, 2019 – Started Reading
May 6, 2019 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-9 of 9 (9 new)

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message 1: by Dolors (new)

Dolors I read Kitchen a while ago and didn't quite connect with it. Now reading your review, I realize I might have missed something. Great critique, Paltia!


Paltia Dolors wrote: "I read Kitchen a while ago and didn't quite connect with it. Now reading your review, I realize I might have missed something. Great critique, Paltia!"

Dolors, I thank you for your comments. I admit that I read the last story 3 times to make sure I understood what the author was saying. And, in the end, perhaps I didn’t. Regardless, there was, for me, some vividly human elements to this book that I found compelling.


message 3: by Jr (new) - rated it 4 stars

Jr Bacdayan I love Banana Yoshimoto and this one is a favorite of mine as well. Something about the theme of sleep just fits my makeup. Anyway love your review! You discuss the conflicts and central points of the book concisely and clearly. Great job! And brilliant last line if I may add.


Richard (on hiatus) Sounds like a good if surreal read ....... I’m growing to love Japanese authors. Great review Paltia :)


Paltia Jr wrote: "I love Banana Yoshimoto and this one is a favorite of mine as well. Something about the theme of sleep just fits my makeup. Anyway love your review! You discuss the conflicts and central points of ..."
You do know that I read this book after reading your review. How could I not? Your reviews are so wonderfully persuasive. Thank you for your generous comments. I do appreciate them.


Paltia Richard wrote: "Sounds like a good if surreal read ....... I’m growing to love Japanese authors. Great review Paltia :)"

My thanks as always.


message 7: by Stephanie ~~ (new)

Stephanie ~~ Paltia, this is a lovely review! I really like the thoughtfulness and intricacy of Japanese writers. It sounds quite tempting.


Paltia Stephanie wrote: "Paltia, this is a lovely review! I really like the thoughtfulness and intricacy of Japanese writers. It sounds quite tempting."
Hiya Stephanie, After reading Jr’s review I immediately got this book and read it. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. This is an unusual book which speaks volumes. If you choose to read it please let me know your thoughts. 🌹


Paltia Elyse wrote: "Beautiful thought provoking review.
I have a couple of Yoshimoto’s books - Kitchen too - but haven’t read them yet. But I don’t have this one ...
If it might help me fall back to sleep - haha... I ..."


You’re such a sweetheart. Get you some rest. Tomorrow is another day.🌹🌹❤️🌹🌹


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