From Library Journal
This slim anthology of 11 short stories, one play, and five poems includes works initially aimed at young adults by several of Japan's most important writers of the early 20th century, including Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Arishima Takeo, Dazai Osamu, and Kinoshita Junji. Translator Ohta, who holds degrees from Barnard College and the University of Chicago, employs an equally fluid and pleasant English style whether a piece is read silently or aloud. The subjects of the stories offer a diverse range, from the daily to the fantastic. Best in the former category is Shiga Noaya's "Kuma," with its dog chase through the streets of Tokyo. Keico Watanabe's line drawings are an especially apt accompaniment to this story. Akutagawa's "The Spider's Thread," a Buddhist allegory, leads the reader onto a more somber and contemplative plane. The anthology might have more coherence if the one short play and five short poems were omitted; tacked on the end of the volume, they seem to be something of an afterthought. Recommended for larger public and academic libraries and East Asian collections. D.E. Perushek, Northwestern Univ. Lib., Evanston, IL Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Card catalog description
A collection of Japanese children's literature in translation spans three decades with contributions by major authors as well as familiar lullabies.
Rainbow in the Desert: An Anthology of Early Twentieth Century Japanese Children's Literature ANNOTATION
A collection of Japanese children's literature in translation spans three decades with contributions by major authors as well as familiar lullabies.
SYNOPSIS
This is a collection of eleven stories, and five poems written in Japan during the first half of the twentieth century. Although the pieces vary in style and content, they were all in some way influenced by Kai Tori (Red Bird) a children's literary magazine launched in Tokyo in 1918 by major literary figures of the day who were committed to producing stories of high aesthetic value. Each author was also a "cross-over" writer who wrote for both juvenile and adult audiences. These writers were all masters of their craft who have left us a legacy of exquisitely lyrical stories and poems. Those represented in this collection include Miyazawa Kenji, Arishima Takeo, Ogawa Mimei, Tsubota Joji, Hayashi Fukimo, Shiga Naoya, Kitahara Hakushu, Saijo Yaso, Noguchi Ujo, and others.
What is perhaps most striking about these stories and others from this period in Japan is that the distinction between writing geared toward children and literature for adults is somewhat vague. Much of the writing for children contains themes and subject matter found in writing for adults, and vice-versa, and the levels of stylistic sophistication in each genre are oftern equal.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
This slim anthology of 11 short stories, one play, and five poems includes works initially aimed at young adults by several of Japan's most important writers of the early 20th century, including Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Arishima Takeo, Dazai Osamu, and Kinoshita Junji. Translator Ohta, who holds degrees from Barnard College and the University of Chicago, employs an equally fluid and pleasant English style whether a piece is read silently or aloud. The subjects of the stories offer a diverse range, from the daily to the fantastic. Best in the former category is Shiga Noaya's "Kuma," with its dog chase through the streets of Tokyo. Keico Watanabe's line drawings are an especially apt accompaniment to this story. Akutagawa's "The Spider's Thread," a Buddhist allegory, leads the reader onto a more somber and contemplative plane. The anthology might have more coherence if the one short play and five short poems were omitted; tacked on the end of the volume, they seem to be something of an afterthought. Recommended for larger public and academic libraries and East Asian collections. D.E. Perushek, Northwestern Univ. Lib., Evanston, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Booknews
A collection of 11 stories, one play, and five poems written in Japan during the first half of the 20th century. Although pieces vary in style and content, they were all in some way influenced by , a children's literary magazine launched in Tokyo in 1918 by major literary figures of the day. Much of the writing for children of this period in Japan contains themes and subject matter found in writing for adults, and the levels of sophistication in each genre are often equal. Ohta has been translating Japanese children's literature for the past 10 years. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Internet Book Watch
Comprised of eleven stories, one play, and five poems written in Japan during the first half of the 20th Century, A Rainbow In The Desert: An Anthology of Early Twentieth-Century Japanese Children's Literature presents a seminal and invaluable contribution to the study of Japanese literature for American students. The stories themselves reflect an essential element of Japanese popular culture, while illustrating the evolving concept of children in early 20th Century Japanese thought including such issues as motherhood, education, and gender as applied to childhood. The contributors represent a full spectrum of Japanese literary talent and their work is very ably translated into English by Yukie Ohta. Also available in hardcover (0765605554, $49.95), Rainbow In The Desert is an exceptional body of work and highly recommended for students of modern Japanese literature, culture, and history.
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