The Foolish Blood Stirs: A Kyoto Scroll of Tanuki, Tengu, and Humans

The Eccentric Family: The Second Generation Returns
While I admire Yasaburo's "foolish blood," I find myself smiling bitterly at my own excessive caution... If I could just have a little bit of that, maybe life would be a bit lighter.

The Eccentric Family:
The Second Generation Returns
by Tomihiko Morimi

• Author: Tomihiko Morimi

• Publisher: Gentosha

• Year of Publication: 2015 (Paperback edition: Gentosha Bunko 2017)

• Genre: Fantasy Novel / Kyoto Setting / Family Story / Humorous Novel

• Cover: A cover featuring the streets of Kyoto in the background.

Overview

Yasaburo, the third son of the prestigious Shimogamo tanuki family, Yasaburo is a fool and reckless, just like his father. He causes trouble by meddling with tengu and humans.
In such a Kyoto, the "Second Generation," successor to the old tengu Professor Akadama, returns from England. The Second Generation His proud and arrogant presence sends ripples through the tanuki and tengu societies.

• Main Characters

  • Yasaburo: The tanuki protagonist. He is a fool, but kind-hearted and full of curiosity.

  • Yaichiro, Yajiro, and Yashiro: The brothers of the Shimogamo family.

  • Professor Akadama: An old tengu. He has lost his former glory.

  • The Second Generation: A tengu who returned from England. He is arrogant but possesses an overwhelming presence.

  • Benten: A beautiful human woman. She has mastered tengu arts and acts with complete freedom.

  • Friday Fellows: A group of humans with eccentric tastes. They look forward to their annual 'tanuki hot pot'.

✻Synopsis✻

With the return of the Second Generation, the tengu society of Kyoto is shaken, and the tanuki world is also filled with tension. Furthermore, the season for the Friday Fellows' 'tanuki hot pot' approaches, sparking a massive commotion centered around the Shimogamo family. Yasaburo runs about, using his inherent foolishness and quick wit to try and protect his friends and family.

Memorable Quotes

A phrase that acts like a watchword whenever Yasaburo dives into something. I felt that behind his seemingly reckless actions lies a strong will to 'protect his family'.

Also, the contrast between the intense characters of the Second Generation and Benten is striking. I was captivated by the strange balance where authority and freedom, beauty and arrogance, and longing and awe are all mixed together.

◆Impressions◆

The scale is even larger than the previous work, and the struggles and growth of each character shine brightly. Especially Yasaburo's 'foolishness.' When I think that this isn't just him being a clown, but that it is supported by the 'courage to dive in without fear' and 'boundless love for his family,' I find him absolutely endearing.

While reading, I couldn't help but project myself onto the story. I'm usually the type who thinks too cautiously about everything and ends up missing opportunities... But if I had even a little bit of that 'foolish blood' like Yasaburo, maybe I could live more lightly and happily. It was a story that made me think that.

Summary/Recommendation

'The Eccentric Family: The Return of the Second Generation' is a lovable, chaotic fantasy set in Kyoto featuring tanuki, tengu, and humans. It is a book that will make you laugh while also making you think about family bonds and how you live your own life.

• Recommended Readers

  • Those who enjoyed the previous work, 'The Eccentric Family'

  • Those who love the combination of Kyoto and fantasy

  • Those who want to savor a story wrapped in family love and humor

• Next to read
  ・Among Tomihiko Morimi's works, 'Night Train,' which features the line 'The night leads everywhere. The world is always night,' or the author's essay collection 'The Sun and the Maiden'

Kindle Edition

………………
Self-introduction
I've come to like the note❤️feature. More

#MyBookshelf
#Books
#Reading
#PersonalBookRecommendations
#MorningRoutine
#TheEccentricFamilyTheSecondGenerationReturns
#TheEccentricFamily
#TomihikoMorimi