Published: Sep. 21, 2012
Words: 12,103 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781301902637

Short description

‘Stirring Winds’ is an Asian Literature Anthology, centering on the theme of life changes and significant moments. It contains six stories: five set in Japan and one in China, ranging in length from 900 – 3000 words.

Extended description

‘Stirring Winds’ is an Asian Literature Anthology, centering on the theme of life changes and significant moments. It contains six stories ranging in length from 900 – 3000 words.

Two stories included have won prizes and have been previously published: The Wind Blew the Wrong Way (First Prize, Five Stop Story, Sep. 2011) and Ice Walls (Third Prize, Meridian Writing, Spring 2012).

‘Three Ballerinas’ and ‘The Smell of Peaches’ were both shortlisted in online writing contests (Meridian Writing and A Very Short Story). ‘Sapporo Skies’ and ‘The Waiting World’ were written exclusively for this collection. (Read more) ‘Stirring Winds’ is an Asian Literature Anthology, centering on the theme of life changes and significant moments. It contains six stories ranging in length from 900 – 3000 words.

Two stories included have won prizes and have been previously published: The Wind Blew the Wrong Way (First Prize, Five Stop Story, Sep. 2011) and Ice Walls (Third Prize, Meridian Writing, Spring 2012).

‘Three Ballerinas’ and ‘The Smell of Peaches’ were both shortlisted in online writing contests (Meridian Writing and A Very Short Story). ‘Sapporo Skies’ and ‘The Waiting World’ were written exclusively for this collection.

Three Ballerinas: Elise left Japan nine years ago, but still regrets the decisions she made then. She hopes that returning to Nagoya will set her heart free.

Sapporo Skies: Masa and Hikari celebrate their anniversary every year with a hot-air balloon ride in Hokkaido. This year, a long-kept secret is revealed.

The Smell of Peaches: Mayumi is a new mother recovering from childbirth. She prays her son will chase away the ghost haunting her dreams.

Ice Walls: Two Russian ice-sculptors compete in the annual ice-sculpting competition in Harbin, China. Will Katinka and Aleksei finally overcome their rivalry and be friends?

The Waiting World: From behind the veil between worlds, a man watches his beloved wife celebrate his birthday at Matsumoto Castle.

The Wind Blew the Wrong Way: Junko is turning thirty and takes a day-trip to Kyoto. While visiting her favorite temple, she has a second chance with an old lover, but will fate bring them together or keep them apart?
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Tags

short stories, anthologies, asian fiction, japanese fiction, literature fiction short stories, chinese fiction

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Reviews

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Review by: clarksnelson on Oct. 12, 2012 :
Ms. Matsuura writes with a poetic quality, drawing the reader into her world of choice effortlessly. The stories in this compilation are beautiful. There is no other word for it. Deceptively simple, I found myself thinking about them for days afterwards. To me, that is what makes a great story - and in this book, there is more than one that did that for me! I can't wait to see what this author comes up with in the future.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Aislinn Batstone on Sep. 21, 2012 :
This is a beautiful collection of stories by Kelly Matsuura. Anyone who has spent time in Japan or admires Japanese culture will enjoy the feeling of 'mono no aware' Matsuura brings to the page in many of her stories. It's a kind of wistfulness, an awareness of beauty and its passing, and is probably strongest in the stories "The Smell of Peaches" and "Three Ballerinas". You'll feel great at the end of the book as the classy final story has an upbeat ending. I highly recommend this book.
(reviewed the day of purchase)

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