Title: N.P.
Author: Banana Yoshimoto
Publisher: Grove
Year: 1990 (Japan), 1994 (US)
Banana Yoshimoto is one of the most famous Japanese writers in translation. Her works exploded in America in the nineties, and she has continued to see success in America, Japan, and elsewhere around the world. Her stories usually involve modern young women (and men) having to deal with the complexions of everyday life. In, N.P., Yoshimoto delivers another solid narrative with an equally compelling cast of characters. It is a result that is at once Breezy, controversial, and entirely thought provoking.
Within the story itself, N.P. is the name of a book of short stories from a Japanese writer who had been living and writing in America. However, every time someone has tried to translate these stories into Japanese, the translator mysteriously died. The narrator is a girl in her twenties whose boyfriend had committed suicide after trying to translate the stories. She comes into contact with the writer’s son and daughter, and then another mysterious girl enters the picture. Through a web of pain and guilt, the characters find their lives crashing together at an alarming pace.
The premise for a book that seemingly kills off the translators who all attempt to work on it is a pretty interesting idea, but that’s really just the way Yoshimoto is able to jump start the story to get to the heart of the matter: the complex and damaged characters surrounding the stories. I was really surprised at how connected all the characters were, and how much suffering seemed to follow them around. This is all beautifully contrasted with Yoshimoto’s smooth as silk story telling which comes across quite well in the translation.
And while things do flow very beautifully, there is a sense that this covers much of the same work as her other stories. A new set of characters with a new set of problems, but the execution is fairly consistent with her other work. This isn’t a bad thing mind you; think of it more as a familiar experience when reading her work. You really get a sense just from the first chapter that this will be another Banana Yoshimoto story, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
With a story revolving around suicide, pain, and inappropriate relationships, N.P. is a surprisingly brisk read. While it’s easy to digest the material from her novels, Yoshimoto’s work has a tendency to resonate and stick with readers long after they have turned the final page. This book is no exception.
Tune back in next time for another review!
Tokyo Swan
If you liked this you may also enjoy: Kitchen: Banana Yoshimoto, Sputnik Sweetheart: Murakami Haruki.