Spirit matters
Subtitle: the transcendent in modern Japanese literature
By: by Philip Gabriel.
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press; Univ of Hawaii Pr; University of Hawai'i Press
Published: 2006
Place of publication: Hawaii
Language: eng
Number of pages: 207
ISBN-13: 9780824829742
Subjects: Japanese literature -- Showa period, 1926-1989 -- History and criticism; Japanese literature -- Heisei period, 1989- -- History and criticism; Religion and literature
Description: "Spirit Matters is the first book to explore a broad range of writings on spirituality in contemporary Japanese literature. It draws on a variety of literary works, from enormously popular fiction (Miura Ayako's Hyoten and Shirokari Pass and the novels of Murakami Haruki) to more problematic "serious" fiction (Oe Kenzaburo's Somersault) to nonfiction meditations on martyrdom and miracles (Sono Ayako's Kiseki) and the dynamics of religious cults (Murakami's interviews with members of Aum Shinrikyo in Underground)." "Spirit Matters is a look at some of the most influential works of contemporary Japanese literature. It will appeal to readers interested in women writers, Christian literature, the impact of religious fanaticism, and the intersection of faith and literature."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: ch. 1. The frozen soul: sin and forgiveness in Miura Ayako's  "Freezing point"; title: ch. 2. The Seed must fall: two tales of self sacrifice; title: ch. 3. Aum, underground, and Murakami Haruki's "Other side"; title: ch. 4. Literature of the soul: Oe Kenzaburo's "Somersault"