I"ve been meaning to post about this book which I consumed on holidays over Easter. Once again, this was a recommendation worth treasuring.
This is part-history, part-family biography, tracing the author's lineage with the central talisman of the beautiful collection of Japanese carvings. Each phase in the family history is painted with as intricate attention as the craftsmen invested in the tiny netsuke. Throughout the novel you find yourself as easily at home in contemporary London as the decadence of 19th Century Vienna.
Though the language is occassionally over-indulgent (perhaps symptomatic of the author's status as a novice in terms of literature), the thread of narrative is beautifully woven. He has succeeded in portraying the fate of his ancestors which was at times brutal and desperate but also incredibly human and touching.
The different phases of the netsuke as they pass through the generations are, as I've said, fascinating. However, by the time the collection reached Japan, one couldn't help hoping it would finally settle somewhere for good so the story could come to a close!
All in all, I am delighted that this book has received such acclaim and therefore am equally keen to pass on the recommendation.
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