Open Book

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Programme looking at new fiction and non-fiction books

Programme looking at new fiction and non-fiction books, talking to authors and publishers and unearthing lost classics

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Open Book: Japanese fiction; Vendela Vida

11/07/2021

Japanese fiction; Vendela Vida

BBC Radio 4 - Open Book, Japanese fiction; Vendela Vida

As the Tokyo Olympics approach, a look at some of the best novels coming out of Japan.

As sporting attentions turns to the Olympics in Tokyo, Johny Pitts is joined by Emily Itami and Iain Maloney to explore Japan's literary scene.

As the Tokyo Olympics approach, Johny Pitts and his guests, Emily Itami and Iain Maloney, investigate Japan's literary culture and discuss some of the best new Japanese novels.  Also on the programme, Johny talks to Vendela Vida about her latest book,  We Run The Tides, a warm and witty exploration of teenage friendships, lies and power set in 1980s San Francisco and Jenn Ashworth explores her intimate, almost religious, connection with Marilynne Robinson's award winning Gilead.

Book List – Sunday 11 July and Thursday 15 July 

Fault Lines by Emily Itami
The Only Gaijin in the Village by Iain Maloney 
Breast and Eggs by Meiko Kawakami: Translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata: Translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori
In Praise of Shadows by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki: Translated by Gregory Starr
The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide: Translated by Eric Selland
Strange Weather in Tokyo: Translated by Allison Markin Powell 
The Little House by Kyoko Nakajima: Translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori
Lady Joker by Kaoru Takamura: Translated by Allison Markin Powell and Marie Iida
Things Remembered and Things Forgotten by Kyoko Nakajima: Translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori and Ian MacDonald 
We Run the Tides by Vendela Vida 
The Diver’s Clothes Lie Empty by Vendela Vida 
Girls on the Verge by Vendela Vida 
The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith 
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Ghosted: A love Story by Jenn Ashworth

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