Hello, hello,
I've read a lot of good Asian books this year. Written, both, by Asian authors living in Asia and are works of translation and also by Asian diaspora authors- I wanted to include both categories of books. Most of the books I've mentioned below are written in an Asian language and then translated into English.
I have Japanese Books for most part, a Korean-Amreican Book and one Chinese Australian book to recommend. So let's begin...
Here are my Top 10 Asian Literary Fiction books of 2024.
First up we have two books with Cats 🐈
I mean I am always up to read something cozy or otherwise featuring a cat.
1. She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa, Translation by Ginny Tapley Takemori: This collection of interconnected short stories is told from both the human and kitty perspectives. Four women and four cats share their stories in this soothing and stream of consciousness narrative. These are stories about isolation, connection and community and human frailty. I really enjoyed these stories and especially reading the voices of the cats. This was cozy and moving read.
2. We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida, Translation by E. Madison Shimoda: A mysterious clinic, it's equally mysterious staff and a Doctor that listens to your troubles and prescribes you a cat. A set of instruction on how to look after your temporary visitor and let the healing begin. These short stories, all connected by the enigmatic clinic and its feline medicine was both whimsical, moving and sweet. A wonderful read and made me smile and feel warm. Perfect for you if love cats, and a great gift for the cat parent in your life.
3. Sweet Bean Past by Durian Sukegawa, Translation by Alison Watts: I love stories about people from two generations forming an unlikely friendship and bond. Something about a young person finding friendship and companionship with an elderly person fills me with such joy. There is always such wisdom and joy to be found in such stories. This book about a frail and mysterious old lady and a lost young man bonding over recipes and sweet bean paste was truly beautiful. I loved this so so so much. A secret history and lifetime of pain and still holding your heart in softness and love..God this book hit me in all the feels. Please pick it up, you'll love it.
4. What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, Translation by Alison Watts: If you love books and a touch of magical realism, this is the book for you. An enigmatic librarian recommends the perfect (often odd) book to her patrons. It's not what they came looking for but it's exactly what they need. Interconnected short stories all connected through this librarian and her books. Charming, warm and oozing with quiet wisdom and comfort, this book was a thing of joy. Please pick it up. This was easily one of the best things I've read in 2024.
5. The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto, Translation by Asa Yoneda: This one is for fans of slightly...wierd...odd...stories. A young woman has always felt like she's missing a part of herself or has forgotten something important about her own life. She moves in with her strange aunt and the fog clears. This isn't magical realism...this is more...I don't want to give spoilers but something very human and secrets in a family. There is a taboo relationship in here, so if that is something you don't like reading about I'd keep my distance. But I enjoyed the writing and the storytelling.
6. Himawari House by Harmony Becker: I also have a graphic novel recommendation for you. A charming story with gorgeous art about three young women (one from America, one from South Korea and the last one from Singapore) living in the same house as they attend a language school in Tokyo. There is friendship, identity, language and love and belonging. The art is gorgeous and the story kept me hooked and happy.
7. The Burrow by Melani Cheng: Set in Australia during the Pandemic, this book is about a family still grappling with the loss of a baby who drowned in her bath four years before the events of the book. The parents and older sibling are still dealing or not dealing with the freak accident and the isolation and desolation of the lockdowns makes them face their loss head on. They adopt a bunny and for a while things seem good..till a home invasion bring their issues to surface. This slim little book dealt with such a heavy topic and everything here felt so painfully real. I really..enjoyed (even though this was sad book) my time with it.
8. The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monica Kim: This book was such a mindfuck. It was creepy and bizarre and icky and just..got under my skin. A young Korean-American woman, Ji-won has had her life turned upside down, her father has had an affair and abandoned his family and left behind a confused mother and a heartbroken an lost younger sibling. She herself is seething in rage and starts having an uncontrollable need for..eyes. Yup...you read that right. It's horror and a mystery and above else about the unraveling of a young woman. Very different from anything I've ever read and so so so...odd. If you are particularly squeamish I'd avoid this one...be warned.
9. When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka: A historical fiction set during the second World War and what an entire generation of Japanese Americans had to live through when they were forced into Internment Camps. If you haven't heard about this painful chapter in American history, this a great book to pick up. We see a family, a mother and her two kids sent off to an internment camp and their life before, during and after. A short but searing read. It's about prejudice and hate and othering and how it changed the lives of an ordinary and happy family. I highly recommend.
10. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop and More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, Translation by Eric Ozawa: Saved the cosiest book for last..well two books actually. I read the first book last year and re-read it again this year before I read the sequel and these books are pure comfort reads. If you love books and books about books..look no further. This world and it's people just make my heart happy. Both these books are quiet and comfort reads. Love love love.
Comments