{"product_id":"9781780602301","title":"On the Narrow Road to the Deep North","description":"Author: Lesley Chan Downer\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781780602301\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Eland Books\u003cbr\u003eYear first published: 01 May 2025\u003cbr\u003ePages: 304\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAfter eight years working in Japan, immersing herself in its language and literature, Lesley Chan Downer set off in the footsteps of Matsuo Basho, Japan\u0026amp;#x27;s most cherished poet, to explore the country\u0026amp;#x27;s remote northern provinces. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBasho\u0026amp;#x27;s pilgrimage to find the landscapes that had inspired the great medieval poets gave birth to Japan\u0026amp;#x27;s most famous travel book, rich in strange imagery and sometimes comic encounters along the road. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this intriguing cross-threading of journeys, perceptions and exquisite haiku, Lesley creates her own funny, loving and honest portrayal of contemporary Japan. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs she walks, she finds at one and the same time a drab post-industrial landscape of concrete and cable, but also a land still full of the old enchantments. Nights in thatched highland villages and sake-drenched poetry sessions encourage her to see for herself if any of the legendary hermit-priests still survive in the sacred mountains of the north.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Downer has an instinctive insight into the way the Japanese think  a rare commodity which she uses with a marvellous delicacy of touch.'  Katie Hickman, \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Literary Review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ships in 10 to 15 days","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852902125726,"sku":"ADS-9781780602301","price":34.78,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0400\/9043\/5742\/files\/9781780602301.jpg?v=1779064526","url":"https:\/\/classicbargains.com.au\/products\/9781780602301","provider":"Classic Bargains Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}