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Celadon
In the late 1960s, in the shadow of the Vietnam War, Neil Chase, a young man yearning to travel, risks everything to take a journey by freighter and see the world. He arrives at a rural Japanese village famous for its pottery, but he soon realizes that things are not perfect in this seemingly idyllic spot. The town and its residents hold secrets hidden for centuries, each with their own different cross to bear. Chase falls in love with a beautiful potter's daughter who lives across the river; she too has a secret she's determined to hide. As Chase learns the ceramic craft and becomes ever closer to the potter family, he discovers that even good intentions can be as destructive as bad ones, that it is easier to make mistakes than undo them, and that no voyage allows you to return unchanged.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 16, 2021
A gentle look at Japan
Celadon is the story of Neil, a dreamer who longs to travel. When he makes it to Japan, he embarks on an adventure that will stay with him forever. Neil falls in love with girls, but also pottery, and the description of the vase-making process and quest for the perfect Celadon are expertly done.
The narration flows easily, offering a wonderful portrayal of traditional Japanese culture and its values. Characters are well-drawn and brought to life with sharp dialogue, while the plot takes a few twists and turns that ensure this is a real page-turner.
Celadon is the story of Neil, a dreamer who longs to travel. When he makes it to Japan, he embarks on an adventure that will stay with him forever. Neil falls in love with girls, but also pottery, and the description of the vase-making process and quest for the perfect Celadon are expertly done.
The narration flows easily, offering a wonderful portrayal of traditional Japanese culture and its values. Characters are well-drawn and brought to life with sharp dialogue, while the plot takes a few twists and turns that ensure this is a real page-turner.
May 1, 2025
At 234 pages this is the looooooongest short book I’ve read in a long time. Wow it took me more than a month to finish. And I worked at it almost every day.
Usually when I pick up a book I check how many stars it has on Goodreads. If it’s more than 4, I give it a whirl. What I FAILED to notice was that this book’s 4+ star rating was composed of a mere 9 reviews. Probably the author’s best friends.
The beginning and end were good, edging the rating up from zero or 1 to 2 stars But the long slow middle, during which I found myself constantly fighting to stay awake, doomed it.
Usually when I pick up a book I check how many stars it has on Goodreads. If it’s more than 4, I give it a whirl. What I FAILED to notice was that this book’s 4+ star rating was composed of a mere 9 reviews. Probably the author’s best friends.
The beginning and end were good, edging the rating up from zero or 1 to 2 stars But the long slow middle, during which I found myself constantly fighting to stay awake, doomed it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews