Kimiko, and Other Japanese Sketches

Lafcadio Hearn

2021年8月 · Otbebookpublishing

電子書

頁數

符合資格

評分和評論未經驗證瞭解詳情

關於這本電子書

A brief but delightful insight into Japanese culture by an author who (from my experience) has consistently captured the ways of the Japanese people of the time. (Goodreads)

關於作者

Lafcadio Hearn, born in 1850 on the Greek island of Lefkada, is a literary figure whose life and works bridge the East and West in fascinating ways. Raised in Ireland and educated in France and England, Hearn eventually made his way to the United States, where he worked as a journalist in Cincinnati and New Orleans. His early writings, marked by vivid descriptions and a keen eye for the macabre, earned him a reputation as a master of Gothic horror.However, it was his relocation to Japan in 1890 that truly defined his legacy. Embracing Japanese culture with unparalleled enthusiasm, Hearn became a naturalized citizen and took the name Koizumi Yakumo. His works, such as "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things," offer Western readers a window into the folklore, ghost stories, and everyday life of Meiji-era Japan. Hearn's writings were instrumental in shaping Western perceptions of Japan during a period of rapid modernization and cultural exchange.Controversially, Hearn's romanticized portrayals sometimes glossed over the complexities and challenges of Japanese society. Yet, his deep empathy and genuine curiosity set him apart as a cultural bridge-builder. His influence extends to contemporary writers and scholars who explore cross-cultural themes and the supernatural.Hearn's life was marked by a restless quest for belonging and understanding, making him a compelling figure for modern readers interested in cultural hybridity, the supernatural, and the transformative power of storytelling.