The two novellas in Touring the Land of the Dead by Maki Kashimada give you a glimpse into two women’s innermost thoughts.
Location: mostly set in Tokyo, Japan
Touring the Land of the Dead synopsis
A dream-like, emotionally charged tale by a bold new voice in Japanese fiction
Natsuko’s husband Taichi was forced to stop working eight years ago by the sudden onset of a brain disease. Ever since then, they have been living on her part-time wages and what he receives in disability benefits. But Natsuko is well accustomed to financial hardship. Before meeting Taichi, she lived with her mother, a proud woman who clung to illusions of affluence long after the family riches had dried up. Her mother and her brother are haunted by their former station in life, restless spirits unable to live according to their present realities, and uncomprehending of Natsuko’s decision to marry a lowly functionary.
One day, Natsuko sees an ad for a spa resort posted on a bulletin board. She recognizes the place as a former luxury hotel, a symbol of that time in her mother’s youth when she wanted for nothing. Natsuko’s grandfather had taken her mother to the storied hotel when she was little. When Natsuko and her husband visit the much-changed hotel, the building triggers memories and epiphanies relating to the complicated history of her family. The overnight trip becomes a voyage into the netherworld – a journey to the doors of death and back to life.
The volume also contains a short story modelled on Junichiro Tanizaki’s The Makioka Sisters. Ninety-Nine Kisses, portrays four unmarried sisters living in an old-fashioned neighbourhood in contemporary Tokyo.
Book review
Novella 1: Touring the Land of the Dead
As the narrator reminisces about the past, you get a glimpse into her innermost thoughts. You read about what it is like to be married to someone suffering from a disease. Her husband feels fulfilled and she sees no reason to deny him that. In the end, her silent acceptance of her marriage helps her deal with that life, her past.
The author hits the mark when describing the not quite happy moments of camaraderie paired with moments of loneliness while being in each other’s company. Just when the married couple seems to make a real connection, they drift apart again. It is like an unconscious teasing game except neither of them disregards the other. They share a quiet appreciation for the presence of the other. To Natsuko and Taichi, their non-perfect counterpart is a very important person.
Maki Kashimada carefully balances a tone of resignation and gratefulness. Natsuko’s emotions and thoughts are portrayed beautifully.
Novella 2: Ninety-nine kisses
This novella is about the acceptance or rejection of the way you love. It is also a story about sisterly love and exploring your sexuality. The four sisters are vastly different and you get to know them well in this short novella. The story starts with a sisterly rivalry when one of the sisters starts dating. The narrator herself is less charmed by the man in question, but instead, she is infatuated with her sisters in a sexual way and struggles with her obscene thoughts. Her rising awareness of her desires is explored in a very natural way, mixing present and past, without providing an insight into the future.
Because of the incestuous thoughts and insinuations, this story will not be for everyone.
Final thoughts
I liked both novellas. Slowly Maki Kashimada lays bare the feelings of the narrators. The characters are multidimensional persons that you get to know intimately. I especially loved the moments that the narrators realize something that helps them understand and accept their feelings better. Even though there is no way (or desire) to escape reality, I’d like to think that they will improve their happiness by learning from the people close to them.
Interested?
Pre-order your copy of Touring the Land of the Dead from Amazon (available 4 March 2021).
Book details
Title: Touring the Land of the Dead
Author: Maki Kashimada
Translator: Haydn Trowell
Publisher: Europa Editions
Pages: 144
ISBN (13): 9781787702806
Publication date: 4 March 2021
Many thanks to Europa Editions and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
