Kokoro: Hints and Echoes of Japanese Inner Life
Lafcadio Hearn
Read by Expatriate
In an introductory paragraph, Lafcadio Hearn declares his intention: "The papers composing this volume treat of the inner rather than of the outer life of Japan, for which reason they have been grouped under the title Kokoro (heart). Written with the above character, this word signifies also mind, in the emotional sense; spirit; courage; resolve; sentiment; affection; and inner meaning, just as we say in English, "the heart of things."" The result is a highly eclectic collection of stories, diary entries, cultural essays, and collected traditional texts that illustrate not only the state of Japanese society in the 1890s but also the endlessly fascinating issue of the intersection of cultures as demonstrated in a Westerner's interpretations of what he observed in Japan. As much is revealed about the Western mind as the Japanese mind whenever such an intersection occurs. - Summary by Expatriate (7 hr 57 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Subjective but interesting
Dennis Murray
This is an interesting book by Lafcadio Hearn, although it comes across as being more about his take on Japanese traditions particularly those of ancestor worship. Thanks to volunteer for good clear reading. For those wanting a more informative account of Japanese history and culture I highly recommend "Japan: an attempt at interpretation" by same author. it's much longer but worth the effort.
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Gerard Kelly
worth listening to. reader was clear.