The Miner
An absurdist exploration of human identity and existence
Natsume Soseki author Jay Rubin translator Haruki Murakami editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Gallic Books
Published:28th Apr '16
Should be back in stock very soon
This novel, The Miner, explores the absurdity of human personality through a unique narrative style, making it a significant work in modern literature.
Written in 1908, The Miner stands as one of the most daringly experimental works of the esteemed Meiji writer Natsume Soseki. This novel delves into the absurdist exploration of human personality, challenging the reader's understanding of identity and existence. It is often regarded as a precursor to the literary innovations of James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, making it a significant piece in the evolution of modern literature. Soseki's unique narrative style and philosophical inquiries invite readers to reflect on the complexities of the human experience.
The novel's indeterminate nature resonates with contemporary audiences, as evidenced by the admiration expressed by renowned author Haruki Murakami. He highlights the timeless quality of The Miner, noting how it can still evoke deep emotional responses despite being over a century old. This connection between past and present underscores Soseki's relevance in today's literary landscape, and the novel's themes continue to inspire discussions about identity and the human condition.
Translated by Jay Rubin, The Miner is not only a testament to Soseki's genius but also an essential addition to the canon of Japanese literature. With an introduction by Murakami, this edition is poised to attract both seasoned readers and newcomers alike. The combination of Soseki's groundbreaking narrative and Rubin's insightful translation makes this work a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of literature and the enduring questions of life.
Praise for Soseki: 'The Miner may be a product of its time and place, but so is To the Lighthouse, so is A Man Without Qualities, and books about thought - or mining for the nature of thought - are a valuable addition to any healthy reading diet. Warmly recommended for the curious reader' David Mitchell, author of The Bone Clocks 'It makes me very happy to know that even now I can read this novel written over a hundred years ago as if it were a contemporary account and be deeply affected by it. It cannot and should not be overlooked. It is one of my favourites' from the introduction by Haruki Murakami 'Soseki predicted the problems we are facing today. He had a long-term view of civilization. His popularity will become more global in the future' Kang Sang-jung, political scientist and principal of Seigakuin University 'This is a handsome and welcome new edition' The Japan Times 'Strangely compelling, it has a distinct flavour of Beckett or even Kafka and I found it intriguing and more accessible than much Japanese literature. An interesting read' M. Jenkinson, NetGalley reviewer 'With Jay Rubin's reworked translation and the modern feel of the voice, it reads like contemporary auto fiction. Definitely worth reading as part of Soseki's oeuvre' M. Carter, NetGalley reviewer 'A must for Soseki fans and those fascinated by the complexities of the mind' Hank Stephenson, bookseller, Flyleaf Books 'It was written over one hundred years ago, but seems very modern indeed' San Francisco Book Review 'It is almost meditational. The affective nature of the text is quite remarkable' T. Lunt, NetGalley reviewer 'This revised translation of The Miner presents an underappreciated gem from one of Japan's greatest novelists' Shelf Awareness 'The Miner is an awkward, fascinating novel -- yes, novel -- that deserves a new generation of English readers' Book Slut Praise for Haruki Murakami: In April 2015, Murakami was named one of the TIME 100's most influential people. 'Readers wait for [Murakami's] work the way past generations lined up at record stores for new albums by the Beatles or Bob Dylan' Patti Smith, The New York Times Book Review Praise for Jay Rubin: 'Translators generally don't garner much attention, but Jay Rubin has distinguished himself' Seattle Times
ISBN: 9781910709023
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 255g
264 pages