The story starts off simply enough about Mr. Okada losing his cat, then his wife, and then finally his own mind. In a bizarre fashion all of the odd characters and situations that Okada finds himself in are all related in some way which is eventually summed together at the end. What was most fascinating is the elements of Buddhism, the search for nothingness to really get in touch with one's consciousness. Okada finds the strength and ability to achieve 'emptiness' at the bottom of a dark well. In the well, the author puts us in touch with the most bizarre adventures in Okada's consciousness.
Much of the story talks about war guilt. | ||
Plot & Themes Time/era of story - 1980's-1999 Ethnic/Regional/Religion Internal struggle/realization? Yes Struggle over Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Coping with loss of loved one(s) Yes Loss of... Ethnic/regional/gender life Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Has magical powers? Yes Magical/mental powers of main character: Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - society Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 8 () Asia/Pacific Yes Asian country: - Japan - China Small town? Yes Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee Misc setting Writing Style Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - actual description of hetero sex Amount of dialog - significantly more dialog than descript |