You can never tell from a translation out of a language family so far removed from your own, whether you're getting the right tone and feel from the original. I think the translators did a good job though because I really liked what I read -- sparse and always tense but with a great power and pregnancy lurking between the rather simple narrative -- something I've also got from Japanese film from the era.

These are very early short stories, and while the themes are clearly there (the dead, the war, victimization, anger and helplessness, violence and guilt) these don't get in the way. I'm not sure that would be the case with his later work and if so, if Oe would be for me.

No five stars because I didn't feel swept away and instantly hooked, but an objective four because this clearly is great lit. ( )