Lately I seem to be very hit or miss when it comes to graphic novels and especially with comics. I see something that looks potentially really good, but when I start reading it just does not click with me. I started out strong with the Saga series, but it got a little too weird for me, and as much as I was liking the Papergirls story my enjoyment just waned. Maybe I will get back to them later, but for now I think I like a story that is more reality based. Something I can relate to more than it being so fantastical and pure escapism.
So, many thanks to Ms. Smithereens for suggesting this one, Just So Happens by Fumio Obata. It fits in so nicely with my other reading at the moment, Fumiko Enchi's Masks as well as Monica Sone's Nisei Daughter. Obata was born in Japan and now lives and works in England. He is an animator and comic book artist, though this seems to be his only graphic novel. I want to explore his work--the Guardian called the illustrations in this book "elegant" and the publisher notes their "delicacy" and I wholeheartedly concur. I made myself read only a few pages at a time in order to linger over the story and illustrations, but I think now, I need to sit and read it in one slow sitting to take it in as a whole.
It is beautifully illustrated and indeed elegantly told--very understated. The prose is quite spare but fittingly so. This is the story of a young woman who has been living in London where she feels contented and happy--fitting in with this new lifestyle and a true cosmopolitan Londoner. She is called home to Japan, however, on the death of her father. It is perhaps reverse culture shock. She has adapted to her new home and lifestyle but is dropped again into the world of her youth, so different from her life now. The story is steeped in the culture and traditions of what seems to me a very formal Japan.
I am only now learning about Japanese culture. Fumiko Enchi's novel relied heavily on classic Japanese literature and culture and there were many references to the masks used in Noh Theater, which also makes an appearance here. It is not wholly foreign to me, but I think I don't quite appreciate the references and sentiments behind the visuals. I have been watching films of Yasujiro Ozu, which are absolutely gorgeous and very evocative. So, slowly I am taking in aspects of Japanese culture and find I quite like it and feel very comfortable there.
I'll share a few illustrations here as they are so elegant and will give you a small taste of the story.
This is one I will be revisiting and can warmly recommend!