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This piece of historical fiction is set between the end of the Heian period and the beginning of the Kamakura period (the period between 1180 and 1202). The story of the orphan Komatsu takes place near Minamikawamachi's Sayama Pond, Japan's oldest artificial lake. Komatsu was born into a village suffering from drought. His mother has passed away and his father has abandoned him. Although at times he worries and is weak, the story shows him reflecting on his life and emerging triumphant. The story also beautifully depicts the revival of Todaiji temple under Chogen, and depicts Chogen’s pupil Renku, a monk who struggled with the gap between a monk’s asceticism and his love of beauty. What does it mean to live? How should a life be lived? Through a varied cast of characters and worldviews, the author questions what it is to live.
Naomi Nakagawa is a member of Japanese Association of Writers for Children. She is the author of Maboroshi no Sutoraika (Striker in Illusion, 1987), Kougen no Aoi Sora no Shita (The Blue Sky under the Highland, 1991), Yonshimai (Four Sisters, 2003), Ma-chan no Kosumosu (Machan’s Cosmea, 2004), and other works. In addition to writing, the author also lectures on children’s books and teaches at creative workshops. |
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