2 in 1: In Praise of Shadows, An Artist of the Floating World

For the first time ever, we are going to read two books for a single book club meeting. The contrast and similarities between the Ishiguro's fictional work and Tanizaki's non-fiction essay should allow for a powerful discussion.

An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro:

Set in post-WWII Japan, retired artist Masuji Ono reflects on his career and the shifting political tides that once glorified his nationalist work. As he navigates the ruins of his former prestige, Ono grapples with the uncomfortable realization that his art helped justify a devastating war. The novel offers a quiet, devastating meditation on memory, complicity, and the fragile nature of honor in a world that has moved on.

In Praise of Shadows by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki:

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki’s seminal essay contrasts the harsh clarity of Western modernity with the subtle, shadowed aesthetics of traditional Japan. He argues that electric light has stripped away the depth and mystery inherent in architecture, art, and even daily rituals like eating. Ultimately, this meditation invites readers to reconsider how darkness shapes our perception of beauty and cultural identity.