Four Seasons in Japan - Autumn: Journeys and Emotions in a Hidden Country

by Valentina Sgambato, Sophie Henderson (Translator)

The first novel-guide to travel in Japan The first volume of the four novel guides through the Japanese seasons, the story of Valentina who, in a delicate moment of her life, embarks on a journey to the beloved country to find herself among the colors of an unforgettable autumn . An inner journey that becomes a novel and merges with the narration of an itinerary between famous cities and hidden places , becoming a guide to discover less touristy places, local products, foods and seasonal events, an adventure to discover the most characteristic aspects of autumn. Of these places are told the beauty of the details found and the continuous wonder hidden around the corner, in a path that is a guide to Japan and the courage to grab their existence to make it the most beautiful trip ever . To enrich the chapters of the novel, further information is provided on cultural aspects and places, maps and day trips, as well as travel notes, advice, and multimedia content accessible through QR codes .

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

"It’s easy to wonder if that sight, so pure and oriental, is real or the fruit of my imagination, of my idealising a place that could not be otherwise for me."

The writing is beautiful. The author's love for Japan is clear. But. This book is an example of travel literature that exoticises the other - in the style of European tourists writing as experts of lands for which they have only surface experience. I read excerpts aloud to my family to confirm that my internal gasps and cries of "what??" were appropriate.

I was thankful for the moments where the author seemed to recognize that she mixes reality with romanticism and chooses romance.

I'm interested to see if she recognizes this as she continues writing, and if her understanding of Japan matures. And, I especially hope she learns the correct way to eat shabu-shabu! My family was aghast at the idea of tasting the "broth".

[Irene Burricco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una lettura meravigliosa, scritta con stile, eleganza, tanta passione e desiderio di trasmettere non solo l'amore per il Giappone, ma anche l'amore per la vita e per la felicità.

Attraverso i numerosi luoghi del Giappone rurale e non, attraverso le infinite pietanze gustate da Valentina e Gabry, si compie un vero e proprio viaggio interiore alla ricerca di un posto nel mondo unico per ognuno di noi.

Non vedo l'ora di leggere il seguito di questa bellissima avventura che, nonostante la distanza, ha saputo trasportarmi costantemente proprio lì, insieme a loro, a vivere le stesse emozioni.

[Tonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un viaggio in un Giappone inusuale, in autunno e in posti incantevoli spiegati minuziosamente. Si sente la meraviglia e la felicità provata dall'autrice in questo viaggio in cui ti trasporta con lei. Lettura non semplice per le mille mete raggiunte e utile solo se ci devi andare davvero. Ma comunque coinvolgente.
Un buon libro!

[Giuseppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diario di viaggio in giappone. Un bel racconto sul giappone, le sue tradizioni, feste e la cucina. Principalmente fuori dalle grandi città. Non una guida ma la descrizione di interessanti visite.

[Moira Hardie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who recently visited Japan for the first time I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me nostalgic regarding places I'd visited and hopeful to return.
The book is a mix of travel guide and personal journey. It has lots of really useful information for planning a trip and conjures memories for places already visited.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series "Winter".

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non è una sterile guida di viaggio sul cosa vedere/ cosa mangiare ma il racconto di un vero tour attraverso il Giappone alla scoperta di festival, eventi, usanze tipiche nella stagione autunnale. La letteratura scorre piacevolmente e, attraverso gli occhi di Valentina, potrete immergervi nelle atmosfere, nei sapori e nei colori del paese del Sol Levante.

[Mrs JE Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely descriptions of Japan but found it very repetitive and became bored by the slow story.