Cees Nooteboom, Mokusei! A love story. Amsterdam: Bridges Books, 1985.Translated by Adrienne Dixon. Paperback, 56 pp.
Condition
Very good +. Spine intact. Book block firm, no loose pages. Clean pages
An enigmatic character shaped by her Japanese identity
Mokusei! is a novella in which photographer Arnold Pessers explores his fascination with Japan and a woman named Satoko, nicknamed "snow mask". Despite their intimacy, he views her through the lens of both professional habit and her enigmatic, impenetrable character shaped by her national identity.
Similar to Nooteboom's novel Rituelen, Mokusei mixes reflection and memory, integrating profound notions within its narrative.
On Cees Nooteboom
Cees Nooteboom, is a prominent Dutch novelist, poet, travel writer, and essayist. Central themes in his work include death, the mystery of the self, and the relationship between reality and imagination. Nooteboom's novels are known for their postmodern techniques, such as literary allusions and conflicting narrative voices. His works often blur the boundaries between reality and fiction, creating a layered, reflective reading experience.
In Rituals (1980), Nooteboom explores themes of order and chaos through characters whose lives intertwine with Japanese cultural elements, reflecting his interest in Japan. This novel, along with a novella such as Mokusei! (1982, English edition 1985), showcases the narrative complexity and philosophical depth of his work. Nooteboom’s writing often integrates philosophical reflections and travel experiences, bridging the gap between external journeys and inner exploration.