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I Am a Japanese Writer [Paperback]

Dany LaFerriere , David Homel
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

List Price: $17.95
Price: $12.92 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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Book Description

May 1, 2011
A devilishly intelligent new novel by the internationally bestselling author and Prix Médicis winner

A black writer from Montreal has found the perfect title for his next book I Am a Japanese Writer. His publisher loves it and gives him an advance. The problem is, he can't seem to write a word of it. He nurses his writer's block by taking baths, re-reading the Japanese poet Basho and engaging in amorous intrigues with rising pop star Midori. The book, still unwritten, becomes a cult phenomenon in Japan, and the writer an international celebrity. A Japanese writer publishes a book called I Am a Malagasy Writer. Even the Japanese consulate is intrigued. Our hero is delighted—until things start to go wrong. Part postmodern fantasy, part Kafkaesque nightmare and part travelogue to the inner reaches of the self, I Am a Japanese Writer calls into question everything we think we know about what-and who-makes a work of art

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a marvellous cabinet of curiosities"—The Globe and Mail

"in his unique fashion, Laferrière captures the spirit of our culture, where cultural boundaries are erased and the real and the unreal intimately coexist."—The National Post

About the Author

Dany Laferrière worked as a journalist in his native Haiti during the notorious Duvalier regime, immigrating to Canada in 1976. The author of twelve novels, he has won several awards, including the prestigious Prix Médicis and the Governor Generals award for a Children's novel. Dany Laferrière lives in Montreal, QC.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre (May 1, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1553655834
  • ISBN-13: 978-1553655831
  • Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #581,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The mind of a crazy genius at work February 5, 2012
Format:Paperback
Basho was a Japanese poet, and the great thing about poetry is that it can adapt to whoever is reading it. We do not need to be Japanese to understand the basic emotions. Therefore, when an American reads Bash', Bash' becomes an American poet. This is the concept behind I Am a Japanese Writer. This book is a about the origin of art, the obsolete need of a national identity, and contradictions. The story is simple; it is the journey of Dany Laferrière to write a book simply titled I Am a Japanese Writer.
The book is a brilliant piece of art. Laferrière paints himself in a prosperous light as a quiet bookworm. His writing style shines, as it feels like it was written by a madman scripting his will in a paper cave. One chapter has two character's talking without punctuation. This technique works because it forces you to pay attention to the character's personalities to understand the conversation. The characters themselves feel fresh and alive. This book is an amazing expedition that intersects time, space, and identities. Much like sushi, this book is an acquired taste, but I recommend trying it at least once.

*Originally published for San Francisco/Sacramento Book Review*
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4.0 out of 5 stars I read this for a class... January 18, 2013
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
And was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. It is clever and interesting. You really begin to wonder as to whether or not you can trust the stories the narrator is throwing at you. A fun, quick read.
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