Kitchen

Yoshimoto provides an insight into death and life and how, even though one may have their circle of friends for support, it's the family circle that matters in the end. I really enjoyed Yoshimoto's close description of Mikage and Eriko, the 'supposed' mother who is transvestite.It was the first book I have read that describes the characters and their emotions. A job well done and this novella deserves many rewards!

There are those who will ADORE this book and those who will hate it. Yoshimoto has a definate style, presentation and point to her writing. Just when you think you aren't feeling 'involved' enough in the plot, you find yourself emotionally devastated and must read on. Truly a riveting style of writing which stays consistent throughout her collection of books. Each chapter presented like a small package, to be opened, and enjoyed. :)

'Kitchen' is an incredible book about accepting what life gives you. Life is sufferings and joy, and how you deal with them bring you closer to your enlightenment. You are alone in the world, and whether you accept or fight what you are given is a defining moment in your own character. Read this book and understand the Buddhist perspective, as well as Samarai thinking. Remember the Samarai's - think about this when a 'noble' death is described. A MUST READ!

I enjoyed these two short stories, both about how two young women grieve over the death of their loved ones. Yoshimoto's writing is like poetry, filled with imagery and emotion. Still, it's not lofty by any means. Her style is so clear and down-to-earth, often humorous, and appropriate to her characters' lives: Young and living in the city. These stories went very quickly for me but were very thoughtful, and left me wanting more.

With a loyal following in countries as diverse as Italy, China, Brazil, the US, and her native Japan, Banana Yoshimoto is one of Japan's most well known writers. Kitchen, Yoshimoto's first novel, is the story of Mikage Sakurai, a young woman who has just lost her grandmother, her last living relative, and how she finds a new "family" when she is taken in by Yuichi Tanabe and his mother Eriko. The story revolves around Mikage's growing sense of belonging with her new and unusual family, and of the importance she attaches to the kitchen - her favorite place. This short novella explores how the concept of family can transcend traditional definitions. Mikage is accepted by Eriko, the transsexual bar owner (and Yuichi's father). Mikage finds sustenance and comfort in the kitchen, both literally and metaphorically, as she rebuilds her life.

I somehow stumbled across this book today in B&N and devoured it all within the three hours after I arrived home. I am very familiar with Japanese classics but have never read current Japanese fiction. I was pleasantly surprised!
Having lost my parents as a teenager I could relate to Mikage's plight and restlesness to find herself and a place in a world which has left her all alone. I also found myself longing for the experience Satsuki and Urara shared in Moonlight Shadow. What a refreshing read on a day when I miss my parents. I am definitely running to the B&N TOMORROW to stock up on Yoshimoto's other books. How fun to find a new favorite author :-)

I just finished "Kitchen" which I read in 2 sittings. I am in awe of this writer, and being a poet that says something. She is a wonderful story weaver. I believe she must be a gentle, loving, spiritual person to write with such depth of feeling and gentle understanding. If anyone has lost a loved one, I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the rest of her works.

This novel is charming rather than good, pleasant rather than profound in any way. Is in Japanese chick lit? I don't know.. I know it has reached immense popularity in the author's native Japan, and I did get the feeling that this must be what contemporary Japan is like for 20-something females.

The book deals with death. Yes, quite a heavy topic for light reading, and that might be part of its problem. It would seem that the topic would automatically "deepen" the novel... I liked the first part of the book the best (the actual kitchen novella), and I felt a certain connection to Eriko (the transvestite), Yuichi (the son) and Mikage (the narrator), and I found myself cheering for the budding love between Mikage and Yuichi.

However, the language and the "depth" of the book seemed superficial at best. It is saturated with clichees (the phrase "I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off" is used as an actual description). It seemed to be written in a way that a self-absorbant 20-something would talk. But does it reflect the original writing or did it get a bit lost in translation????

The prose is textured with a rich sensuality and reads pleasurably. The characters are sweet and quirky. The story is short and to the point. Overall, this book was an entertaining read, but not an earth-shatteringly provocative one. I can't figure out why it means so much to so many people.

The power of this book is the contrast between the elements of the stories.In fact the two stories included in the book are so capturing that actually form a paralel universe on their own.Unusual themes,given through a purely poetic yet physical view make the characters surreal but familiar in the same time.The sequence of the stories,combined with a dense and straightforward writting give the impression that the book is three times as big.Yoshimoto manages to pull hope and love for life out of intensely depressing situations. The two-level writting and the sense of contradiction that haunts "Kitchen" are characteristics of major writters.Yoshimoto is one of them.

Critical, sharp, loving and hurting! 'Kitchen' is an incredible book about the emotional rollercoaster of life, love and loss. It's about the pain one feels when a loved person dies, the seemingly endless grieving process and the light at the end of the tunnel.

I loved this book, and love to re-read it.

Through this book Banana Yoshimoto became one of my favorite writers and since then I read everything from her that I can get my hands on!

Kitchen deals deftly with contemporary issues of the human heart, including isolation, longing for companionship, and struggling for meaning after loss. The simplicity with which Banana Yoshimoto weaves her tale of loss, mourning, and the return of hope transcends culture and left me with a quiet sense of peace.

Banana Yoshimoto's book Kitchen (and Moonlight) is delightfully simple , unpretentious , aesthethic ,warm ,personal, tragic, delicate and not to mention delicious too!.Indeed a benchmark of a contemporary Japanese author. A delicate masterpiece.

Kitchen is uncomplicated on the surface, but able to express the unexpressable. This is a book that allows you to breathe. An excellent introduction to contemporary Japanese literature. My recommendation: read Kitchen and then try something by Murakami...

The first thing that caught my attention about this book was its interesting cover. However, there are many facets to this short novel that almost anyone could identify with... whether it is the loss of a loved one... or thoughts of being alone in the world... Yoshimoto has done a tremendous job in creating a fascinating heroine whose love of kitchens suggest a grander theme of "belonging." I identified with her in many of the situations she faced. I can't wait to read more Yoshimoto-style books. The only quirk I have about this book is that it isn't long enough. I guarantee that you'll love this book!

Banana Yoshimoto is one of the best authors ever to cross over seas. I own Kitchen and have read it over ten times. She writes with such clearness. The same kind of clearness as a crisp winter night. I hope to see more work from her.

Kitchen has two stories within the cover. The first is the book's title, called Kitchen, and is a wonderful but sad story. Two people, the surviving members of two family, coming together to make a new family. It is a story of love, memories and, well, kitchens. The second, smaller story called Moonlight Shadow is a simple story about love lost, love remembered and, in the end, about moving on with one's life.

Having read that Ms. Yoshimoto's books have sold millions of copies worldwide, I was looking forward to reading Kitchen. Perhaps for someone living in Japan, this book might be more relevant and entertaining. I found it pretentious, simplistic and a waste of time. Goes to show that high ratings and reviews are not always indicative of a great book.

"Kitchen" is a collection of two stories that are uplifting even when describing less-than-happy circumstances. This book offers a moving examination of the contemporary "family" that most Gen X-ers should be able to strongly relate to- Yoshimoto is the voice of a generation,on even an international level.

I wanted to like this book. At first, the writing was superb. The images were soft and crisp, like newly fallen snow swirling in a snow globe. The two novellas focused on loss and its impact on everyday living -- the heartbreaking feeling of trying to put one foot in front of the other while it feels like you are wearing heavy boots filled with rocks when climbing up a steep hill.

I wanted to like this book. The characters were compelling and likable. The emotions expressed were described accurately and poignantly.

I wanted to like this book, but alas, I grew weary and it felt like the newly fallen snow became gray and slushy.

There is nothing about this book that doesn't scream with childishness. The writing is horribly immature to the point where excerpts could easily have appeared on a teen girl's facebook stream, no doubt. The plot is simple and the characters do not help one bit.

I stopped reading after forcing myself for a bit. I felt my brain slowly turning into jelly and decided to put an end to it.