Description

Book Synopsis

Botchan is a modern young man from the Tokyo metropolis, sent to the ultra-traditional Matsuyama district as a Maths teacher after his the death of his parents. Cynical, rebellious and immature, Botchan finds himself facing several tests, from the pupils - prone to playing tricks on their new, naïve teacher; the staff - vain, immoral, and in danger of becoming a bad influence on Botchan; and from his own as-yet-unformed nature, as he finds his place in the world. One of the most popular novels in Japan where it is considered a classic of adolescence, as seminal as The Catcher in the Rye, Botchan is as funny, poignant and memorable as it was when first published, over 100 years ago.

In J. Cohn''s introduction to his colourful translation, he discusses Botchan''s success, the book''s clash between Western intellectualism and traditional Japanese values, and the importance of names and nicknames in the novel.



Trade Review
Soseki's lightest and funniest work -- Donald Keene
This rollicking rebel, and the spice and pace of the narrative, will appeal to parent, teacher, and schoolchild alike * Times Literary Supplement *

Botchan

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Natsume Soseki, J. Cohn, J. Cohn

    £8.99

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 29 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Classics
      Published 4 October 2012
      ISBN-13 9780141391885
      978-0141391885
      ISBN-10 014139188X

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Botchan is a modern young man from the Tokyo metropolis, sent to the ultra-traditional Matsuyama district as a Maths teacher after his the death of his parents. Cynical, rebellious and immature, Botchan finds himself facing several tests, from the pupils - prone to playing tricks on their new, naïve teacher; the staff - vain, immoral, and in danger of becoming a bad influence on Botchan; and from his own as-yet-unformed nature, as he finds his place in the world. One of the most popular novels in Japan where it is considered a classic of adolescence, as seminal as The Catcher in the Rye, Botchan is as funny, poignant and memorable as it was when first published, over 100 years ago.

      In J. Cohn''s introduction to his colourful translation, he discusses Botchan''s success, the book''s clash between Western intellectualism and traditional Japanese values, and the importance of names and nicknames in the novel.



      Trade Review
      Soseki's lightest and funniest work -- Donald Keene
      This rollicking rebel, and the spice and pace of the narrative, will appeal to parent, teacher, and schoolchild alike * Times Literary Supplement *

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