Four Seasons in Japan [Paperback] Nick Bradley

What a writting !!!!Must buy for cozy moments

Nick Bradley has created a beautiful story within a story in Four Seasons in Japan. Even though there is a wide contrast in both stories in terms of setting, locations, and timelines, there is no deviation in authenticity and warmth.Bradley takes his readers to Japan and introduces them to the country’s history, customs, culture, cuisine, and traditions. It was a wonderful experience visualising the changing seasons.His writing is highly visceral, and it is impossible to not feel the emotions of the characters. I loved knowing Flo, Kyo, and Ayako from such close quarters.In the book, the author covers several themes, including mental health, parental control, generational differences, societal pressure on children, and suicide.. The friendship and community strength portrayed in Kyo’s story is heartwarming.I didn’t enjoy Flo’s story as much as I enjoyed Kyo’s. I found it much easier to relate to Kyo rather than Flo, whose constant dissatisfaction was slightly nagging. Flo’s struggles feel forced at times.In my opinion, the resolution could have been handled better. Ayako’s story ended abruptly, while the ending of Flo’s story was not as appealing as the story itself.The best part about the book is the beautiful quotes!

A book about a book!! so clever.. so believable.. Loved the characters, the storytelling.. 5th star for love for Japan!!

The book is melancholic, evocative, and compelling. There are heart to heart conversation between friends. Where failure, resentment and devastation engulfed Flo, Kyoko and Makoto were always there for her. Flo’s odyssey has encapsulated the life of a translator. When something she was passionate about turns into her biggest grief not only she detach herself from the world but also from the person she loves the most. While Kyo’s story encapsulated emotions, family expectations and a lot more. The characters were so emotional. And the description of changing seasons in Japan is so engrossing.There were some traditions, deep conversations about relationships, literature, role of a translator, emotions, responsibilities towards family, making a choice, and differentiating between fiction and non-fiction and life and literature.Reading the book felt like an emotional chaos and tangled between heart and mind, life and literature and inevitable expectations filling life with devastation and innumerable feelings. The author keenly observes those around them as it has reflected in their writing and characters. The Author’s compelling writing will transport you to Japan and the lives of each character.

I read this to satiate a current fascination with all things Japanese. The settings, culture and nuance came through well in this book. However as far as writing style goes it's not what I expected, a little tedious perhaps. Not something that leaves a lasting impression.

I didn't understood the ending. I was expecting that Flo will be able to find and meet Ayako and Kyo. But not able to understood ending.