Customer Reviews

The Man from Japan

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5/26/03 I found Clive James's book profound/profane in so many parts that in summing up his book ,it is one you will read with concern throughout...:"a Possible leader in Japan" should he do well in academics in the Western World..falls prey to sympathy after befriending a young woman whom he initially is 'mift at' for returning over and over again to the "bookstore" where he is clerk to read ongoing chapters from a book vs buying it..;making poor choices in his permitting "exploitation of himself to an eccentric hermit" for a few "better course meals" whenever the idea of "living within his means bothers him";...allowing himself to "get out of control"in defending this young woman at a party" and thus opened himself to"media coverage" which inevitably gets back to Japan's attention;...finding himself unable to get rid of a "gangsters' "moll" and most sadly having been paged back to Japan,due to the "Appalling Pubicity of the "Party Fight//Congrontation.. being given money by the Mobster via his "Moll" to purchase a piece of property in Japan as a Japanese citizen(it was according to Clive James 'illegal/unlawful' for any foreigners to own property in Japan) and given additional orders to "be the proxy owner" as well as "the real house boy" in having the property in repair (including necessities of staples for whenever "the mobster and his moll" visited Japan..It is no wonder that Clive James concludes the book on what type emotions are running the thoughts of "The Man From Japan" as his plane takes him home.

Short and sweet story about a young Japanese man working at a Japanese-language bookshop in London. He is apparently a "rising star" in certain circles in Japan and has been sent to England to polish his English and his interactions with foreigners. This allows the author to simultaneously poke fun at elements of both British and Japanese culture--albeit aiming only at the obvious targets. The main action centers on his involvement with a highly unsuitable"punk" woman, and later, with a more upscale woman. An economical, comic 160 pages.

Great book that combines James' humour and empathy. I read it, however, under the title "Brmmm... Brmmm..."