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A Beginner's Guide to Japan
Observations and Provocations
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A Beginner's Guide to Japan
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Winner of the Edward Stanford Travel Memoir of the Year 2020
In A Beginner's Guide to Japan, distinguished author Pico Iyer offers a captivating exploration of Japanese culture, delving into the subtle nuances and captivating contradictions that define this enigmatic country. Drawing from over three decades of intimate experience, Iyer takes readers on a journey from bustling urban centres to serene rural landscapes, uncovering the profound observations and playful insights that make Japan so beguiling.
Iyer guides us through a myriad of cultural landscapes, from the boisterous atmosphere of baseball games to the intimate spaces of quirky love-hotels. He wanders through the frenetic energy of shopping malls as well as the tranquillity of Zen temple gardens. Along the way, Iyer poses enlightening questions: How does a sushi bar explain a Japanese poem? Why do Japanese couples meticulously plan matching outfits for their honeymoons? And why do many aspects of Japanese life appear to be the opposite of Western expectations?
With his keen eye for detail and deep cultural understanding, Iyer brings to life the idiosyncrasies and traditions of his adopted home. His narrative strikes a perfect balance between the playful and the profound, offering a perspective on Japan that is as enlightening as it is entertaining. Through his prose, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mystery of Japan, making A Beginner's Guide to Japan an indispensable companion for anyone intrigued by the Land of the Rising Sun.
'Rarely in any writing on Japan is provocation so elegantly and surgically performed' Financial Times
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
A layered and thought-provoking exploration, A Beginner's Guide to Japan by Pico Iyer is praised for its depth, wit, and elegance. It uniquely provokes thought with its insightful and lyrical portrayals of Japanese culture, providing both familiarity and curiosity for readers. The guide succeeds by offering a poignant and understated reflection rather than an authoritative take.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781526611512
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 April 2020
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 166g
Pages: 240
About the Author
Pico Iyer is the author of six works of nonfiction and two novels. He has covered the Tibetan question for Time, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, and many other publications for more than twenty years. He has been traveling in and around Tibetan communities and the Himalayas for more than thirty years.
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