Are You an Echo?: The Lost Poetry of Misuzu Kaneko

What a delightful book! David Jacobson tells the tragic yet inspiring story of Misuzu Kaneko's life to weave together this popular Japanese poet's sublime verses into a captivating narrative. Misuzu wrote poetry from a young age and committed suicide at age 26 driven by a husband who mistreats her and threatens to take away her daughter. Yet, magically, the book goes beyond that sadness to capture the richness of her life and art. Each poem, masterfully translated by Sally Ito and Michiko Tsuboi, is accompanied by stunning illustrations by Toshikado Hajiri. I'm not a great reader of poetry, but I swallowed this book in one sitting, relishing the fresh perspective of the poems and pictures like a plate of the best sushi, enjoying the special texture, color and taste of each exquisite piece. The poetry has such depth and empathy for nature, whether human, insect or inanimate, it's no wonder that Japan, battered by a horrific earthquake in 2011, found comfort and hope in Misuzu's poetry a century after it was written. This is a book for children as well as adults; for students of Japan as well as students of human nature; for lovers of literature as well as lovers of poetry; for philosophers as well as artists. I read it before dinner and again afterward. Now I want to go back and enjoy it at my leisure.

This is actually a surprisingly long book, so you are really getting your value's worth - the first half is in the typical form a children's story but the second half has quite a collection of Kaneko's poetry itself. The art is very lovely - a bit inspired by Ghibli (though it really feels closest to In This Corner of the World) - but chock full of detail and beautiful use of color. The story gives you a simple but nice insight into the story of how the world learned of Kaneko's poetry, and about Kaneko herself. One warning - it does reference, but in only a single sentence and without going into detail, the fact that she killed herself because of the treatment of her husband. I think it handles it in a way that a mature child can handle, but I think it's worth noting.As for the poetry, of course it is really powerful - she had such a gift for capturing emotions in a few short lines. The story has some poems intertwined with it, and then the collection at the end is something worthwhile to go into more deeply one at a time.

She was a uniquely empathetic person and to our great luck, she wrote hundreds of poems. Her short life has been described by better writers than I. I wish she could have lived a long and happy life--but if you read her work, I hope it is as if she still lives.

Lovely book with whimsical and poignant poems. Thought provoking. Strong and emotional story about the poems author. This book is delightful for children and adults alike. It will stay in my adult library.

A beautiful book; touching story about an amazing woman and poet. The illustrations add to the overall quality of this book. I'm glad a friend recommended this.

Amazing, touching book. I love the format where the poems are shown in both English and Japanese. The story of the poet's life adds depth to the experience of reading her poems. I will keep this at my house to be read to the grandchildren.

Lovely book- incredible poetry —would make a great gift for a young person

I want to say these poems are life-changing. Their universality is so comforting that life just became fun again! She saw what I see.

Misuzu kaneko is not a very well known poet but deserves to be. After her short time on earth after taking her own life she left such beautiful poetry. If you're a poetry lover this book is a must buy.

Hauntingly beautiful book of poems. Each poem delicately lays an imprint on your heart. Accompanied by beautiful semi traditional vibrant illustrations.

Arrived quickly in perfect condition. A beautiful little book of poems, I adore it.

The material is amazing. I like the paper stock. I received the book in good condition. I enjoyed the book

Yes it does I'm japanese so I like finding these types of treasures