Great review. I think you hit on something missed by a lot of critics who see Hirayama as leading a simple, charmed life that's immune from the suffering the rest of of us face. As you point out, he has at least his share of suffering and hardship -- it's the way he faces each day, the care and effort put into finding grace and beauty, that makes him such a powerful and affecting character.
This one's on my list. Thanks, Thomas — This review resonates. I recently finished Stephen Batchelor's The Art of Solitude which picks up on similar themes. Maybe it's up your alley: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300261523/the-art-of-solitude/ Can't wait to see this!
Great review. I think you hit on something missed by a lot of critics who see Hirayama as leading a simple, charmed life that's immune from the suffering the rest of of us face. As you point out, he has at least his share of suffering and hardship -- it's the way he faces each day, the care and effort put into finding grace and beauty, that makes him such a powerful and affecting character.
All of it counts. "Next is next, now is now."
Another great piece with a similar theme (not affiliated): https://bitsofwonder.substack.com/p/real-life
This one's on my list. Thanks, Thomas — This review resonates. I recently finished Stephen Batchelor's The Art of Solitude which picks up on similar themes. Maybe it's up your alley: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300261523/the-art-of-solitude/ Can't wait to see this!