Bullfight

Praise

“The three Inoue titles (thus far) sport distinctive covers in saturated, solid colors on subtly textured stock, invitingly sized to fit both pockets and hands. Beyond impeccable aesthetics, the stories prove even more exceptional. . . That a half-century-plus has passed since these stories were initially published has not diminished the universality of the experiences and themes within…” — American Book Review

“Taut, probing style and Proustian preoccupation with memory were there from the beginning of his fiction career. . . . Inoue depicts in admirably straightforward prose the roiling waters of love, marriage, passion, and the effects of the passage of time on all three, as in his evocation of a match whose light has gone out. . . . Inoue’s characters always are slaves to their fates. It’s a testament to his poetic imagination that he compels us to follow them avidly as they slide forward through time, transforming as they go into creatures of memory.” – Jon Sobel, Blogcritics

“Intense, brilliantly paced narrative…Inoue’s masterful novella triumphs through a series of perceptive character studies. It is a wonderful book, ironic yet sympathetic, and the perspective cleverly shifts between the players and their expectations, some complex, some relatively simple.” - Eileen Battersby, Irish Times

“Superb… a straightforward depiction of urban life expands into a rich, philosophical exploration of human agency and choice… Pushkin Press has performed a valuable service in making this great work available in English.” - Independent on Sunday

“Perfection is the only word to describe this subtle tale of a plan to host a bullfight in a Japan still battered by the second World War.” - Eileen Battersby, Irish Times

“A disarmingly simple tale of ambition and entrepreneurial daring… written in tight, confident prose… Pushkin’s exquisitely produced edition provides readers of English with long-overdue access to an important Japanese voice. There are plans to publish more… If Bullfight is any guide, what follows should be well worth the wait.” – David Pilling, Financial Times

“Rich with imagery and meaning that few novels manage today.” – Chris Corker, Japan Society