A wonderful introduction the Japanese tradition of jisei, this volume is crammed with exquisite, spontaneous verse and pity, often hilarious, descriptions of the eccentric and committed monastics who wrote the poems. Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
The narrative unfolds in contemporary Haifa through 237 dream-like chapters, exploring themes of shyness and tender vulnerability. Peter Cole's poetic translation captures the unique and intense style of the original work, highlighting its emotional depth. Acclaimed by a starred Kirkus Review as "Beautiful, humane, priceless," the novel stands out for its profound exploration of human experiences and relationships.
Through the lens of a child's developing consciousness, the narrative explores the wonders of the world with a kaleidoscopic view. The protagonist's observations are presented in vibrant, fluid fragments that capture the essence of childhood without the nostalgia of adulthood. The boy's deadpan perspective on the human experience transforms ordinary moments into magical realities. This beautifully translated work melds fiction and poetry, making it a remarkable addition to the author's oeuvre and a delight for readers who appreciate both genres.
The narrative unfolds through Yoel Hoffmann's extraordinary life experiences, detailing his escape from the Holocaust and subsequent arrival in Palestine. It explores his childhood in an orphanage, two marriages, and the joys and challenges of fatherhood. Hoffmann's intellectual journey includes his studies of Japanese Buddhism and extensive travels, all while reflecting on his rich inner life. The story begins subtly but evolves into a captivating and mesmerizing account of resilience and discovery.
"These two quietly stunning novellas mark the American debut of a writer of international importance."― Publishers Weekly In kaleidoscopic fragments, Hoffmann refracts Jewish popular lore and folk wisdom through a postmodernist prism, brightening his prose with snatches of verse, songs, diary excerpts, letters, ominous dreams, lush erotic passages and Yiddish sayings. "The Book of Joseph" tells the tragic story of a widowed Jewish tailor and his son in 1930s Berlin. "Katschen" gives an astounding child's-eye view of a boy orphaned in the new state of Israel. The novellas radiate the original poetry of Hoffmann's atomized hypnotic language, which Rosmarie Waldrop has called "utterly enchanting―it's like nothing else."
Struggling with profound grief after his wife's death, Bernhard embarks on solitary walks that lead him to unexpected encounters and reflections. As he navigates his sorrow, he confronts memories of love and loss, ultimately seeking solace and understanding in the world around him. This poignant journey explores themes of mourning, connection, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of tragedy.
Yoel Hoffmann--"Israel's celebrated avant-garde genius" (The Forward)--supplies the magic missing link between the infinitesimal and the infinite
"Klarer Himmel - einst kam ich den Weg entlang, jetzt gehe ich ihn zurück." Zen-Meister und Geisha, Samurai und Geschäftsmann - so vielfältig wie die Menschen in ihrer letzten Stunde sind die Verse, mit denen sie sich von dieser Welt verabschieden. Zeugnisse einer alten Zen-Tradition. Eine Ars Moriendi, in der Trost, Weisheit, Meditation und die Frage nach dem Sinn menschlicher Existenz auf eindrucksvolle und inspirierende Weise zusammenkommen.