| Author: | Kim Matics | ISBN: | 9786167817484 |
| Publisher: | Proglen | Publication: | June 25, 2014 |
| Imprint: | Smashwords Edition | Language: | English |
| Author: | Kim Matics |
| ISBN: | 9786167817484 |
| Publisher: | Proglen |
| Publication: | June 25, 2014 |
| Imprint: | Smashwords Edition |
| Language: | English |
This is a story of self-discovery and self-actualization. The main character, despite having realized the American Dream, is ill-at-ease in his cosmopolitan milieu. Sensing that something important is missing in his life, he hankers to relive experiences he once had in Asia. He naïvely seeks to renew, if not reinvent himself in Old Japan, which he considers his spiritual home.
During his journey through various parts of Japan, he contrasts his Western point of view with what he sees first-hand. Different locales trigger recollections of past events, as his mind blends contemporary and traditional aesthetics. Eventually he understands how they molded his present perceptions and how they may impact his future.
The novel's literary style contrasts recollections of memories and daydreams. Paradoxical flashbacks reflect both fantasy and wishful thinking. Like a tapestry, these strands are woven together with elements related to the protagonist's artistic sensibilities.
Each chapter represents a spoke of aromatic sandalwood in an opening fan. The result is a haunting portrait of a tortured modern man trying to find himself in the past. His life-transforming experience allows him to lift former burdens off his shoulders so he can move forward freely, with ease. By looking within, he learns to share with others. Only by allowing compassion to enter his heart can he break through cultural boundaries that tend to hinder a Westerner's comprehension of things Asian.
Although based on actual events that occurred in Japan, several of the locales and the characters' identities have been modified.
This is a story of self-discovery and self-actualization. The main character, despite having realized the American Dream, is ill-at-ease in his cosmopolitan milieu. Sensing that something important is missing in his life, he hankers to relive experiences he once had in Asia. He naïvely seeks to renew, if not reinvent himself in Old Japan, which he considers his spiritual home.
During his journey through various parts of Japan, he contrasts his Western point of view with what he sees first-hand. Different locales trigger recollections of past events, as his mind blends contemporary and traditional aesthetics. Eventually he understands how they molded his present perceptions and how they may impact his future.
The novel's literary style contrasts recollections of memories and daydreams. Paradoxical flashbacks reflect both fantasy and wishful thinking. Like a tapestry, these strands are woven together with elements related to the protagonist's artistic sensibilities.
Each chapter represents a spoke of aromatic sandalwood in an opening fan. The result is a haunting portrait of a tortured modern man trying to find himself in the past. His life-transforming experience allows him to lift former burdens off his shoulders so he can move forward freely, with ease. By looking within, he learns to share with others. Only by allowing compassion to enter his heart can he break through cultural boundaries that tend to hinder a Westerner's comprehension of things Asian.
Although based on actual events that occurred in Japan, several of the locales and the characters' identities have been modified.
