Phantasm Japan: Fantasies Light and Dark, From and About Japan
Nick Mamatas
895.608 P493
Written by different authors, the short stories in this collection are
an exploration of speculative fiction in the context of Japanese
culture, and will be enthusiastically received by a niche audience that
enjoys genre fiction and is familiar with Japan.
Newcomers to
sci-fi/fantasy and Japanese culture may find the collection tedious and
confusing, but the intended audience will revel in discovering the
intricacies of each tale's world-building and delight in the appearances
of creatures from Japanese myth and folklore. The entries, ranging from
humor to horror with a dose of the surreal, are literary and often
somewhat experimental in writing style—several use the second-person
narrative voice, or switch from present to past tense for effect. Some
are translated into English from Japanese; others are written in English
about Japan.
Standouts include "Shikata Ga Nai: The Bag Lady's Tale" by
Gary A. Braunbeck, a haunting story about memory, family, and belonging
amid the Japanese American incarceration during World War II, and "For
Those Who Hunt Monster Hunters" by Tim Pratt, which explores themes of
race, stereotypes, and female empowerment. Most of the stories have
fairly minimal teen appeal, with the exception of "Girl, I Love You" by
Nadia Bulkin, which focuses on high school bullying and suicide. Buy
this unique collection where it will have an audience. VERDICT This
atmospheric collection of short stories weaves a mesmerizing web of
science fiction and fantasy for the right reader
(
from School Library Journal)
