Ghostword

by Crisosto Apache

Most journeys begin without knowledge of ever beginning. “Ghostword” is inspired by Ryunosuke Akutagawa’s, A Fool’s Life (1987, Eridanos Press), written on June 20, 1927. Akutagawa’s writing influenced the Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa who developed two films based on Ryunosuke’s stories, The Grove (1950) and Rashomon (1950). Akutagawa’s, A Fool’s Life, is a collection of fifty-one short “poetic vignettes” after which the composition “Ghostword” is inspired and mimics slightly, but in three parts. This collection is heartbreaking and fiercely introspective, while challenging the reader to confront their own beliefs.

Genres: Poetry

83 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crisosto Apache’s Ghostword is a powerful and reflective collection that explores memory, identity, and survival with lyrical depth. The influence of Akutagawa Ryunosuke is present, yet the voice remains original and compelling.