Reading books in a foreign language, especially after a long break, can be a fascinating experience. In this article, we explore the differences between English and Japanese books based on the experience of reading Zoe Heller’s ‘NOTES on a SCANDAL’ and Haruki Murakami’s ‘スプートニクの恋人’.
The Challenge of Reading English Books After a Long Time
After a 15-year break, the author returned to reading English books, starting with the suspense novel ‘NOTES on a SCANDAL’. Despite being an avid reader of authors like Stephen King, John le Carré, and Michael Crichton, returning to English literature presented challenges. The author mentions reading 3-4 books per year before retiring, and now the focus is on getting reacquainted with English novels. However, the question arises: How different are English books from Japanese ones, especially when it comes to the pacing and character development?
Differences in Pacing and Character Development
‘NOTES on a SCANDAL’ is a suspense novel with complex character interactions and a slow buildup. The first 50 pages introduce 22 characters, which can be overwhelming for a reader who is accustomed to faster-paced narratives. The author points out the significant difference between this novel and ‘スプートニクの恋人’ by Haruki Murakami, a Japanese book, which has a different narrative structure. Japanese novels tend to have more immediate emotional connections and a different pacing, often focusing more on the internal thoughts of characters rather than external plot developments.
The author mentions that ‘NOTES on a SCANDAL’ took longer to build tension, and the character development felt slower compared to the style of storytelling found in Japanese literature. This difference in pacing is a key aspect that sets apart English and Japanese books, especially when reading them after a long hiatus.
What Makes English and Japanese Books Different?
One of the main differences between English and Japanese books is the structure and flow of the story. English books, particularly suspense novels, often take a slower approach to character development and plot, with the focus on intricate details and multiple perspectives. In contrast, Japanese books may focus more on the internal world of the characters, with deep psychological insights and emotional complexity being prioritized over a fast-moving plot.
Additionally, English books often require more patience for the buildup of the story, as seen in the example of ‘NOTES on a SCANDAL’. On the other hand, Japanese literature, like ‘スプートニクの恋人’, tends to offer a quicker emotional connection that can draw readers in immediately. The difference in narrative pacing can be a key factor when deciding which language’s literature suits your reading preferences.
Final Thoughts: Bridging the Gap Between English and Japanese Books
The experience of reading both English and Japanese books offers a unique insight into how different cultures approach storytelling. Whether you’re reading an English suspense novel like ‘NOTES on a SCANDAL’ or a Japanese book like ‘スプートニクの恋人’, the journey through the pages offers its own set of challenges and rewards. For those returning to English books after a long break, it may take some time to adjust to the pacing and character development styles that differ from Japanese literature.
Ultimately, the key is to enjoy the reading experience, whether you’re diving into the psychological depth of a Japanese novel or the complex, layered narratives of an English book. Understanding these differences will enhance your appreciation for both literary traditions.
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