Shirobamba: A Childhood in Old Japan

By Yasushi Inoue

A classic of modern Japanese literature, this enchanting autobiographical novels tells the story of 7-year-old Kosaku and his coming to terms with the adult world in turn-of-the-century rural Japan. Because of Japan's often complex kinship arrangements, Kosaku is raised by the redoubtable, often infuriating, but lovable Granny Onui. His affection for Granny Onui, his fear and fascination with the forbidding personality of his natural mother, and his infatuation with his young aunt Sakiko enmesh Kosaku in a complicated web of conflicting emotions that are finely realized and beautifully conveyed by one of Japan's foremost modern novelists.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0834802694
• ISBN13: 9780834802698
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Weatherhill
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

A modern Japanese Classic

This classic is a moving portrait of a Japanese childhood. The main character, Kasuko, (the young Yashushi Inoue) is skilfully drawn and sympathetic. The book focusses on his confusions growing up in a complicated family atmosphere and his feelings towards various female members of that family, notably his adopted grandmother, with whom he lives, his absent mother and his aunt (whom he sees as an older sister). The book is readable, beautifully written and well-translated. The only shortcoming is that this is a translation only of Volume One. Volume Two appears not to have been translated at all.