In the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic, a Japanese art history graduate in Göttingen encounters Nomiya, an old friend who has been deceased for almost a decade, tragically taken by the Tōhoku tsunami. This unexpected meeting is not filled with ghostly frights; instead, it unfolds as an introspective exploration of the narrator’s inner turmoil rather than a traditional ghost story.
As the narrative progresses, Nomiya exists not as a paranormal entity but as part of the narrator’s psyche, a “castaway from the past” that consumes her thoughts. There’s an absence of supernatural theatrics—no walls are passed, nor hauntings attempted. Instead, Nomiya’s presence prompts the narrator to grapple with her emotions and memories, leaving the bizarre circumstances largely unexplored in favour of deeper self-reflection.
Polly Barton’s translation from Japanese captures the book’s lyrical quality, painting vivid imagery while occasionally becoming overly elaborate. “The Place of Shells” by Mai Ishizawa, now available from New Directions, invites readers into a unique emotional landscape, blending beauty with the complexities of loss and memory.
A Japanese grad student encounters Nomiya, a long-dead college friend, during the pandemic in Göttingen. Instead of a ghost story, this narrative serves as a meditative exploration of the narrator’s psyche, addressing themes of loss and emotional turmoil through beautifully crafted yet sometimes complex prose. “The Place of Shells” by Mai Ishizawa is available now.
In summary, “The Place of Shells” offers a distinctive and poetic reflection on loss, identity, and emotional struggle. Nomiya’s unexpected presence deepens the narrative, not through the lens of horror, but as a means for the narrator to confront her past. The novel’s rich prose and vivid imagery encourage readers to reflect upon their own experiences with grief and memory, making it a compelling read during these challenging times.
Original Source: www.the-berliner.com
