Banana Yoshimoto has a cult-like following in both Japan and
worldwide.
N.P. is the title of the last collection of short stories by a
well-known Japanese writer who has led a tragic life.
It was written in English when he was living in Boston. The
translation of N.P. seems to claim lives and is seen as cursed in
the translation circles.
The author's children, the deceased translator's girlfriend, the
author's daughter with another woman, come together in one summer,
and in that summer, the four of them find passion, friendship and
stunning courage where taboos of love are confronted.
This is perhaps the author's most powerful and daring effort,
within it, even when there is a sense of joy, one can almost feel
the sadness that they know will inevitably happen.
Highly Recommended: 4 3/4 out of 5