
Ashes of Spring
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Narrated by:
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Sura Siu
About this listen
Award-winning Japanese author and poet Mieko Kawakami brings Ashes of Spring, a collection of short stories set in everyday life in Japan just before the pandemic lockdown. Kawakami’s stories straddle the line between delicate and beautiful human connection and the brutality of human nature. This poignant collection vividly captures the world we created shortly before it was put on pause, the characters at the center, painfully real. As we emerge five years later, Kawakami offers a stark reminder of our own fragility.
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What listeners say about Ashes of Spring
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
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- Anonymous User
- 04-10-25
Ashes of Spring
In Ashes of Spring, Mieko Kawakami once again proves her remarkable ability to illuminate the everyday, unspoken facets of life. I’m always amazed by how she transforms common experiences into profound reflections on the human condition. One story, featuring a boy and a letter, stood out to me—the way he captured his thoughts as he observed a girl crying sent a shiver down my spine. Equally compelling was the final tale, where a girl’s blend of jealousy and a sincere desire to help revealed an honesty that felt both raw and refreshing.
Kawakami’s depth of feeling shines through every page, making Ashes of Spring another great read that challenges us to acknowledge the beauty in life’s most understated moments.
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- Anton Wolfshorndl
- 03-27-25
Contemporary Perspective
This was an interesting series of short stories. I particularly appreciated how the author examined and described each interaction so intimately. The pandemic was the backdrop for a series of contemporary perspectives. I was glad to be introduced to this author.
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- FTudor
- 03-29-25
Humanity
I liked it all. Not disappointed at all and very surprised by my reaction characters were excellent.
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- PL&J
- 03-21-25
Haunting...Provocative 🤯
Must listen. A thought provoking story line. Not too much about covid as they say.
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