|
|
Yamaguchi, Yoji ListingsIf you cannot find what you want on this page, then please use our search feature to search all our listings. Click on Title to view full description
|
|
|
|
1 |
Yamaguchi, Yoji Face of a Stranger: A Novel
Harpercollins June 1995 0060172355 / 9780060172350 Hardcover Good Hardcover
From Publishers Weekly nSet in an early-20th century California city with a large Japanese immigrant community, this first novel has some memorable and characters and authentic touches, but Yamaguchi attempts one too many plot twists. Kikue and Shino, prostitutes indentured to Kato, the local strong man, are surprised one night when they encounter "vain, handsome Takashi Arai," whom each recognizes as the man whose photograph and putative marriage proposal lured her to America years earlier. Before the night is over, Kikue concocts a plot to exact revenge on him and, in the process, buy her freedom from Kato. Takashi is many things-a raconteur, a deadbeat, a gambler-but a pimp he isn't. Some years earlier, an old man conned him out of a snapshot of himself, and, ever since, prostitutes have recognized him as their intended. Other people become involved in Kikue's plot-Kato's goon; a group of evangelical Christians; an illiterate farmer; and a beautiful and elusive young woman. Yamaguchi does a fine job of evoking "China Alley," the marginal neighborhood (named for a previous wave of immigrants) in which his Japanese characters live. Often, however, the prose is stilted, even dated, bestowing an awkwardly formal rhythm on a story of mostly comic, earthy fare. In the end, Kikue's scheme to get even with Takashi is neither convincing nor compelling, concluding in a rushed ending and a throwaway punch line. nCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. n nFrom Booklist nEarly in this century, in a town located somewhere outside San Francisco, a brothel is staffed by "picture brides," all victims of a cruel scheme that lured the women from Japan to the U.S. with promises of marriage to a handsome young man pictured in an alluring photograph. But rather than paint a grim portrait of these unfortunate women, or of the other Japanese immigrants, Yamaguchi's enchanting tale instead captivates the reader with its beguiling ensemble of admirable characters. Yamaguchi renders two women most skillfully: Kikue and Shino tantalize readers with an inspired plan to break free of their servitude and wreak havoc on the unknowing Takashi Arai, whose striking visage leads to his undoing. A clever, wonderfully crafted debut novel. Alice Joyce
Price:
0.19 USD
|
|
Add to Shopping Cart |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yamaguchi, Yoji on Bookbrowzers.com
Yamaguchi, Yoji on Bookmarcsonline.com
Yamaguchi, Yoji on Johnrbelliveaubookseller.com
Yamaguchi, Yoji on Longfellowspdx.com
| Yamaguchi, Yoji on Mysteryandimagination.com
Yamaguchi, Yoji on Robinsonstreetbooks.com
Yamaguchi, Yoji on Sagebks.com
Yamaguchi, Yoji on Surfwaterbooks.com
| Yamaguchi, Yoji on Thebookscene.com
Yamaguchi, Yoji on Vintage-books.com
|
|
|
