Amrita [Paperback]

'Amrita' portrays the lives of a young Tokyo lady (Sakumi) and the people around her. Following the death of her sister Mayu, Sakumi falls and injures her head and experiences a partial loss of memory. She later falls in love with Ryuichiro, who was Mayu's boyfriend. Meanwhile her younger brother Yoshio develops psychic powers...

This book is about the experiences of young adults growing up to discover themselves and to cope with everyday life. Death, fears, loneliness, love, and daily existence are some of the themes embodied in this novel.While being much longer than other Banana Yoshimoto works as some have criticised, 'Amrita' offers a rich spectrum of musings on life and death, love, and other fundamental issues pertaining to existence. It questions the reader's perceptions and offers possibilities. It is therapeautic, consoling, hopeful and life-affirming.

It is true that 'Kitchen' is perhaps Banana Yoshimoto's best work as reviewed by most people (including myself), but this book should not be missed because it has its own merits and beauty, and some of its themes are very different.

This book is very strongly recommended for all young adults. In fact I would recommend they read 'Kitchen' and 'Asleep' too. Readers who are too familiar with Banana Yoshimoto's shorter works should practice patience with this one, for it is definitely worthwhile and rewarding.

This book, however, is NOT recommended for readers who have already formulated their world views and been through most of life. They would find it naive as Banana Yoshimoto herself finds it too. Reviewers and critics must be aware of who Banana Yoshimoto is writing for before they make harsh judgements on her writings.

Before getting this book, I was a bit saddened by the numerous negative reviews on 'Amrita' that I've seen. They almost succeeded in discouraging me from getting this book. But now that I've bought and read it, I find it one of my most rewarding reads.

All in all, it is an excellent read for young adults trying to make sense of the world and searching for the meaning of existence.

That aside, this is another enjoyable book by Yoshimoto. Although Kitchen will probably always be my favorite, I like this book much more than N.P., Lizard, or Asleep.

The story in this 366 page book, much longer than Yoshimoto's other books, is quite convoluted, but it is quite enjoyable. The story centers on Sakumi Wakabayashi, a young woman who lost her memory by hitting her head on a stone stair. Throughout this book we live with Sakumi and feel her depression over not remembering her life and the joy she feels when she does remember something from her past. We are also introduced to her younger brother Yoshi who seems to have supernaturtal powers. This is a really good book, and is a good example of modern Japanese literature, just don't go in expecting Snow Country or the Makioka Sisters.