Why does Kiyoshi believe Obaban is a substitute for his mom?
Kiyoshi says that Obaban is the "logical" substitute for his mom. "She was old and lived a full life" Kiyoshi states. Obaban was Kiyoshi's grandmother. It was believed that a healthy family was one that died chronologically. I believe this to. I wouldn't want to see my kids go before me. Obaban's stroke/death, supposedly would allow Kiyoshi's mom to live. I think it made sense to everyone that believed in the traditions that Obaban should die before Kiyoshi.
This story, in my opinion, is so choppy at this point I have a hard time following the plot while I'm trying to remember who is related to who, and how. I constantly have to filter all the wording in my head, but I feel like it is really good practice because all authors are different and will create their stories in their own ways. I will have to read the rest of this book because I have to know how it ends. What happens to Kiyoshi?
Hi Eric,
ReplyDeleteGood observation about the way Murayama chose to develop and relate the story. He's crafting his story in a unique way, and one that doesn't follow the traditional chronology one would expect.
In many ways, the first two parts of the book are preparation for the final part.
Lauren
Hi Eric,
ReplyDeleteI also had a hard time keeping track of who is related to whom. I had to go back on the reading every now and then. I believe is also the combination of languages that influence on this, but also give the story an interesting air.
Estela