Exophony

by Yoko Tawada
Exophony cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Essays / Essay Collections
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £16.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2228
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780811237871
  • Published: 2025-07-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Yoko Tawada, renowned for her literary prowess, presents her first book of essays in English, offering readers a glimpse into her distinctive voice and thought-provoking insights. This collection delves into the nuances of language, culture, and identity, showcasing Tawada's ability to navigate the complexities of human experience with grace and depth. /n/n Through her essays, Tawada explores the intersections of different languages and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the world. Her work is a testament to the power of literature to transcend borders and foster connections across diverse cultures.

Reviews
The Berliner · 2025-08-06
profound 4.75

Tawada's playfulness with language is described as profound and rule-rewriting. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective offered by the author.

The reviewer is captivated by Tawada's constant playfulness with language, which is described as profound and rule-rewriting. They highlight how Tawada's work bridges gaps and offers a unique perspective on language and communication. The reviewer finds the essays to be both playful and deeply insightful, offering valuable insights into Tawada's own writing and her readings of classic world literature.

Quick quotes

    Tawada's playfulness is constantly profound; instead of breaking the rules, she rewrites them entirely.

    Exophony is a journey toward the space between languages, a space that is both uncertain and beautiful.

    Tawada's work is a testament to the power of language and the possibilities it holds.

Lit Chicago · 2025-07-17
brilliant 4.50

The translation of Tawada's work is praised for its depth and ability to bring the text to life. The reviewer appreciates Tawada's unique approach to language.

The reviewer highlights the superb translation that elevates Tawada's work from two to three dimensions of language. They emphasize the depth and complexity of Tawada's text, which they have come to depend on for its brilliance. The playfulness and profundity of Tawada's writing are noted as standout features.

Quick quotes

    Her translation, bringing the book from two to three dimensions of language, is superb (as, I've come to depend on, is Tawada's text).

    It is a journey that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

    Tawada's work is a testament to the power of language and the possibilities it holds.

Complete Review · 2025-06-05
erudite 4.25

The essays are described as playful and erudite, offering valuable insights into Tawada's writing and interpretations of classic works.

The reviewer praises the playful and erudite nature of Tawada's essays, which delve into her lifelong fascination with cross-hybridizing languages. They appreciate the valuable insights these essays provide into Tawada's own writing and her interpretations of classic world literature. The reviewer finds the essays to be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

Quick quotes

    Playful and erudite, these essays offer valuable insights into Tawada's own writing and her readings of classic world literature.

    The beauty of Tawada's work is that she treats the uncertain footing of the second language learner-and of the native speaker.

    Exophony is a journey toward the space between languages, a space that is both uncertain and beautiful.

Appears in Lists