The Ark Sakura

Name: The Ark Sakura
Brand: Penguin Books Ltd
SKU: 9780241454589
Price: 26.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Kobo Abe

Series: Penguin Science Fiction

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.51

( 1,879 ratings, 167 reviews)

Summary

The Ark Sakura by Kobo Abe is a thought-provoking sci-fi tale set in an underground shelter, intended to be a refuge from an impending apocalypse. It follows the story of a reclusive man who invites a bizarre variety of guests to join him in his self-made sanctuary. The unexpected arrival of characters and startling discoveries leads to a surreal exploration of human behaviour and paranoia.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$26⁰⁰

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The Ark Sakura

$26⁰⁰

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?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by surreal landscapes and complex characters. The story dives into themes of isolation and survival with a touch of satirical humour, set in a mysterious underground world. It blends elements of science fiction and philosophical exploration, making it an enticing read for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives.

The Ark Sakura

Description

A surreal work of science fiction from one of Japan's most brilliant novelists.

In anticipation of a coming nuclear apocalypse, Mole has converted a huge underground quarry into an ark. While searching for his crew, he falls for the tricks of a wily insect dealer and his friends. In the surreal drama that ensues, the ark is invaded by first a gang of youths and then a sinister group of elderly people, before Mole himself becomes trapped in the ark's central piece of equipment—a giant toilet powerful enough to flush almost anything out to sea.

A science-fiction classic from acclaimed Japanese novelist Kobo Abe, The Ark Sakura's Kafkaesque embrace of nuclear disaster and ecological catastrophe is at turns both hilarious and desperate.

Series: Penguin Science Fiction

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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?

The Ark Sakura is praised for its ambitious exploration of themes such as ecological destruction, ageing, violence, and nuclear war, set against the backdrop of outcast life in modern Japan. Critics highlight the book's blend of humour and unsettling tension, creating a compelling narrative on survival. Comparisons to writers like Poe and Kafka emphasise its ability to captivate and maintain reader engagement.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241454589

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 June 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

Translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 181.0mm

Weight: 222g

Pages: 384

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Kobo Abe Penguin Books Penguin Classics Sci-Fi & Fantasy Science Fiction Series: Penguin Science Fiction

About the Author

Kobo Abe was born in Tokyo in 1924, grew up in Manchuria, and returned to Japan in his early twenties. Before his death in 1993, Abe was considered his country's foremost living novelist. His novels have earned many literary awards and prizes, and have all been bestsellers in Japan. They include The Woman in the Dunes, The Ark Sakura, The Face of Another, The Box Man and The Ruined Map. Juliet Winters Carpenter is an award-winning translator of Japanese writing. She has translated dozens of works, including fiction, poetry and philosophy, as well as three novels by Kobo Abe.

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