Review: Somersault by Kenzaburo Oé

Review of the book “Salto mortal” by Kenzaburo Oé.

Somersault is a novel by Japanese author Kenzaburo Oé, originally published in 1999. The story follows a young boy named Kogito Choko, who returns to his hometown in search of an answer to a question that has haunted him his entire life.

In this book, the author explores themes such as identity, disability, parenthood and the relationship between life and death.

The novel follows the story of Kogito Choko, a Japanese writer who is in a moment of existential crisis. Kogito has been a successful writer, but feels dissatisfied with his life and his literary work. In addition, his disabled son Akari has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital, which has led Kogito to question his own identity and his role as a father.

Through Kogito’s story, Oé explores complex and profound themes, such as the relationship between identity and disability, the relationship between father and son, and the relationship between life and death. The author uses his personal experience (Oé also has a disabled son) to bring Kogito’s story to life and explore these themes with depth and empathy.

Oé’s writing is poetic and emotional, but also reflective and philosophical. The author uses a mix of first-person narration and objective observation to explore Kogito’s story and his own thoughts and feelings. Oé also uses powerful imagery and metaphors to convey the novel’s complex themes.

One of the central themes of “Jump of the Dead” is the relationship between identity and disability. Oé describes how Akari’s disability has influenced Kogito’s identity and how this has led Kogito to question his own role as a father and writer. The author also discusses how disability can be seen as a way to break away from norms and explore new ways of seeing the world.

Another important theme in the novel is the relationship between father and son. Oé describes the complexity of this relationship, especially when the son has a disability. The author talks about how the father can feel responsible for his son’s disability and how this can affect the relationship between the two. It also explores how fatherhood can change a man’s identity and perspective.

Overall, Somersault is an introspective and emotional novel that offers a profound reflection on identity, disability, parenthood, and the relationship between life and death. Oé’s poetic and emotional prose and her ability to explore complex themes in an accessible and profound way make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese literature and the exploration of human identity.

The novel is divided into two parts. The first part, set in Tokyo, follows Kogito as he investigates the true identity of his biological father, who died before Kogito could meet him. The second part of the novel is set in Kogito’s hometown on the island of Shikoku, where he encounters a number of characters who help him unravel the truth about his father.

“Salto mortal” is a deeply introspective and reflective novel, dealing with themes of identity, family, and memory. Kogito’s quest to discover the truth about his father is also a quest to understand his own identity and his place in the world. Oé uses first-person narration to allow the reader to enter Kogito’s mind and experience his personal quest in a more intimate way.

The novel also presents a critique of Japanese society, particularly its family structure and the way in which uncomfortable truths are concealed. Oé shows how the search for truth can be a painful process, but also necessary for personal growth and understanding the world.

Furthermore, “Salto mortal” presents a profound reflection on the nature of memory and how it can be altered and manipulated by people and circumstances. Oé explores how memory is subjective and can be influenced by our emotions and our perspective, and how these influences can change over time.

Oé’s prose is poetic and contemplative, with close attention to detail and the emotions of his characters. His literary style is characteristic of his work, and “Salto mortal” is no exception. The novel is an outstanding example of his ability to weave a complex story with emotionally deep characters and profound thematic reflections.

In summary, “Salto mortal” is a thoughtful and introspective novel that explores important themes such as identity, memory, and truth. Oé’s poetic prose and meticulous attention to detail create a captivating and emotionally impactful story. “Salto mortal” is a literary masterpiece that will leave the reader reflecting long after finishing it.