Original language:
Japanese Translated from: English
Authors: Ekuni, Kaori
Translated by: Žalytė, Danguolė
ISBN: 9955-08-553-3
Published in: Vilnius
Published on: 2004
Publisher: Alma littera
„Twinkle twinkle“ is one of these days most popular Japanese writer’s – Kaori Ekuni comedy masterpiece about Japanese society and customs. At first look – simple and colourful book is just an illusion, because its‘ contents way more complicated. Highly evaluated by critics this book made its‘ own glory and is a perfect example to represent today‘s Japanese various literature.
At first sight main characters of the novel presents a typical young modern family – doctor Micuki and his wife Shioko. However it is only a beautiful façade. But there are much more catchy little secrets inside. Although we think marriage can only be based on love, here still exists marriage who was planned by both parents. Shioko parents want to hide their daughter‘s mental illness, and Micuki parents want to hide his son‘s homosexuality.
Tiny life dramas, thoughts about life and unusual situations make this whole book so marvellous. Entire story represents simple mode of life, with same rituals. It is pretty interesting to take a look in Japanese daily life. Nevertheless Japanese people still stay conservative. For them homosexuality is a family shame and disgrace.
Despite all these small details this book is about all love forms: Micuki‘s protective love for Shioko, passionate love for his lover Kono. Micuki, Shioko and Kono are like an unbreakable triangle of friendship, that people tried to separate, but it is still growing stonger and stronger each day.
The writer says herself: „I am trying to be careful, but still, sometimes I fall in loveI will tell you straight – to love another person, even to trust him is just too crazy.“
This novel is simple and cosy. You can manage to read it in one night. After reading this, your body and mind gets flooded with positive feelings and the only thing you crave is to visit the country of rising sun – Japan.