Shifra Horn

This book of an Israeli woman's explaining some details of Japanese culture is fascinating. I know that Japanese readers find some of what was written in this book offensive. I think that this is because the book's content dwells largely on the more negative or surprising aspects of what makes Japanese culture so different from other cultures. It avoids much explanation of what makes the Japanese culture so mysterious and beautiful. For me, this was not a problem. However to someone Japanese, I can see how this book could be considered offensive and one-sided.

A few of Horn's experiences in Japan, especially the episode of the "electronic toilet", made me laugh out loud. I can laugh at this episode easily because I had my own "toilet experience" in the author's own native country of Israel. So it's now "tit for tat", in my opinion!

I liked this book. I found it easy to read and not in the least because the chapters were short and focused. I've read a novel by Shifra Horn which was beautiful. This is such a different way of writing for her which is okay by me.

My only hesitation about this book are the last few chapters in which the author details some private experiences she had with a few of her students. Being that the Japanese people as a whole seem to me to be closed and easily embarrassed, I feel that the last few chapters might be overstepping the bounds of confidentiality with the individuals who had been described. Israelis are so forthright that I can understand those chapters being included. However, it does all make me feel at all comfortable with their inclusion.… (mais)

את "המנון לשמחה" קראתי פעמיים: פעם בזמני הפנוי ופעם לצורכי לימודים במסגרת קורס בנושא הפרעה פוסט-טראומטית. הספר מגולל את סיפורה של יעל שלרוע מזלה נגזר עליה להיות עדה לפיגוע בירושלים בסביבות 2002. הפיגוע גורם לה לחרדות ולדכאון והרבה תחומים בחיים שלה נפגעים אם כתוצאה מכך, ואם בגלל שהאירוע רק היווה את הטריגר: נישואים מתפרקים, היא מתאהבת בגבר חדש, היא מתקשה לטפל בבנה ומתקשה להתרכז בלימודיה ובעבודתה. מאוד אהבתי את הכתיבה של שפרה הורן ובהחלט אשמח לקרוא עוד ספרים שלה.… (mais)