Asleep

I’ve only recently discovered this author but now find myself on a mission to read all her books. There is something addictive about her writing. This book is made up of three stories the title one Asleep (imho) the pick. To get so much into 3 stories each no longer than 60 pages is a real art and the sign of a great writer. Recommended

I'm sensing a theme here Miss Banana and I like it. As usual the characters and their emotional stories drew me in as the theme of death was explored three fold. There's something in the stories being told and the inner monologue of the protagonists that is so relatable. I'm beginning to grow fond of this here fruit.

Each of the three novellas in Asleep are written very well and totally engrossing. Although all three are less that 80 pages, to me they felt like novels. I mean that in the best way possible. Each story is so simple, yet has so much meaning. Highly recommended!

great literature, strange...

Definitely not a book to fall asleep with, brilliantly written as are all her books

I love Banana Yoshimoto. Her work is delicate, subtle and thought provoking. She talks about young people in modern Japan but in a way which links her firmly in the traditions of Japanese writing. She seems preoccupied with liminal states, the half life between death and life, the hypnotic states of sleep and dreaming and the preoccupation with how a city, and indeed a life can change tempo completely between night and day.These three novellas, included in this volume look at all these themes and give a brief window on a world of ghosts and memory that is tantalizing and enticing. Her work is quite poetic and reminds me of a stripped down Haruki Murukami in places.I enjoyed these works, not as much as Kitchen, which is my favourite of her books, but it's still definitely worth reading, although I'd recommend one of her novels if you're new to her work, slight though they are.

I read Banana Yoshimoto when I need a break from more intense writers. Her style is simple, calming and generally upbeat. This collection of three novellas is soothing, but did not set me on fire. But then, that was not the point. If you haven't yet read Yoshimoto and feel like giving her a try, I'd suggest your starting with 'Kitchen'.

This book is truly something out of the ordinary and nothing like what I have read before. This book takes you on a journey through our inner psyche, the place that is taken by our dreams and our subconscious. Yoshimoto explores a range of different, very abstract ideas about our inner worlds and what our dreams compromise of. There are various connected themes, and there are points in the book that are spellbinding, lonely, and utterly creative. If you are a Yoshimoto fan, this book will certainly please.