Lizard

This understated group of short stories captures young angst in modern Japan. The stories dig into characters attempting to overcome painful pasts, and how the past pain impacts current relationships. Infidelity and uncertainty are treated as part of the learning process. Yamamoto puts on an androgynous author's voice, switching between male and female first person accounts. The reserved style of leaving much unsaid is similar to that of Haruki Marukami. The book is great for those who appreciate the subtle simpleness. This was the first of her books that this reviewer read - certainly not the last.

I became a Banana fan upon reading the first chapter of her novel NP. I bought "Lizard" immediately after I finished NP, resisting the temptation to set high hopes that my second look at Yoshimoto's work would cast the same spell at me. To my surprise, "Lizard" has become one of my favorite short story compilations. I find myself reading many of the tales repeatedly; the last time a short story collection gave me a similar buzz was nearly twenty years ago, when I discovered JD Salinger's "Nine Stories." What strikes me most about Banana Yoshimoto is her empathic voice when she writes from a male viewpoint in the first person. When I read these tales, I feel like Ms. Yoshimoto tries to understand what goes through the minds and emotions of contemporary men. The only other female author who rings my bell (so far) in this respect is Willa Cather. I believe it's a tricky balancing act to write from the perspective of the opposite sex and have it ring true. All stories in this book are vivid and thoughtful, but the title story is the strongest of all. A young man shows us both the gentle strength and fragile secrets inside the girlfriend he nicknames "Lizard." In the same beat he shows us his strength and vulnerability, yet never loses focus on Lizard. I have become a great admirer of Banana Yoshimoto over the past three years. This collection is a great introduction for any reader who wants to give her work a read.

Perhaps you're the type that doesn't have a lot of time. These stories are for you. They take the brilliance of Kitchen and N.P. and put them into quick stories that can be read anywhere. I am thoroughly impressed by the unfaultering quality of Yoshimoto Banana's writing. She is without a doubt one of the most brilliant writers I've had the chance to read. My hope is that more people will become aquainted with her talent and incredible writing ability. Another perfect book to add to my collection--Lizard is awesome.

I am very pleased with Banana's work so far. Her ability to write beautiful and touching stories is admirable. I love "Kitchen" and "NP", and now, "Lizard."Even though this is not Banana's best work, it is a fun and enjoyable read. All five stories have a similar theme: spirituality and self-discovery. Like her previous books, Banana touches on the more human and spiritual aspects of the characters' lives. My favorite stories are "Newlywed," "Dreaming of Kimchee," "A Strange Tale from Down by the River," and "Helix." Each story had a touch of magic realism, which is something I love in literature. They were beautiful and surreal. Banana has a way with words. I hope to read a new Banana Yoshimoto novel soon.

This was my first introduction to Banana Yashimoto. At first I didn't know what to think--reading a new author, one who IS original takes a new tact, I needed to align myself to her insights. They are delicate: forgiveness in this post-modern world---what could be more delicate? More rare? These stories are about us -- forget that they take place in Japan, they are essentially about all the post-modern, technological world that has this burden of living well when food and shelter are no longer the concerns. How do we forgive one another, and most of all, how do we forgive ourselves? In everyday experiences, the author shows the intricacies of lives intertwined, of hurt and trespasses, but finally forgiveness and grace. Not moralistic grace, not traditional mores of social niceities, but something more fundamental: what one person owes another, no matter what society's norms are. Yashimoto reports herself that she is writing about hope. I would only add that that is with a capital "H".