It has been a while since I read any Endo (Silence, When I Whistle, etc.) but this collection of short stories served as a reminder of his genius; his subtlety and mastery of language. It is also interesting to see his influence on the style of other authors, with Ishiguro springing to mind. Equally, few authors seem as happy writing short stories as well as longer fiction. Naturally, a number of overlapping themes recur across the eleven stories in this collection. Endo's own backstory — having studied in France and being influenced by the Christian faith — features strongly. Dogs occur regularly as motifs, and the impact of fracturing familial relationships is also a strong element. Pride, regret (or lack of) in one's actions dominate too. Inevitably, some stories were stronger than others, but ‘Shadows’ and ‘Heading Home’ were particularly notable. Eight out of ten.
By Shusaku Endo