This week my teaser lines come from Haruki Murakami's novel, South of the Border, West of the Sun (first published in 1992; translation by Philip Gabriel). This quote is from page 4 of the Kindle edition:
...I was an only child. I had an inferiority complex about it, as if there was something different about me, that what other people all had and took for granted I lacked.I suppose this passage resonated with me because I'm an only child, too. I don't really think I'd say it gave me an inferiority complex, but the term did always sound a little accusatory. Sort of like: If you'd been a better kid, maybe your folks wouldn't have stopped with YOU.
I detested the term only child. Every time I heard it, I felt something was missing from me -- like I wasn't quite a complete human being.
Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Jenn at A Daily Rhythm. If you'd like to read more teasers, or take part yourself, just head on over to her blog.
And please feel free to leave me a link to your Teaser Tuesday post in your comment here.
I can't say the teaser grabbed me at all. Is it a "coming of age" book? It doesn't sound like there's much action or any mystery to it. Are you enjoying it? I haven't heard of this one before. I'll be interested in seeing your review. Here's my teaser: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-11y
ReplyDeleteYour teaser appeals to me because my daughter is an only child. I think it was less a case you not being a better kid that had them stop, but rather it being a case that they didn't want to mess with perfection. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI hope my daughter will not have an inferiority complex. I do worry about her feeling alone and the weight of the world on her shoulders in a way someone with siblings not might (I have a brother--and so does my husband). But in reality, having a sibling wouldn't necessarily change that.
Anyway. As to the book, I haven't yet read anything by Haruki Murakami. He kind of intimidates me. I do want to give him a try one of these days though.
I think being an only child makes you special. There is no need to share :)
ReplyDeleteI used to be envious of my best friend, who was an only child. Her parents doted on her, and she had many privileges that were not available in a larger family, like mine.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so intriguing, including that cover. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
Hi Joy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by Fiction Books this week. I love meeting new people, so your visits and comments will always be valued and appreciated :)
I once had the complete set of translated Haruki Murakami books donated into the charity shop where I volunteer. I was totally absorbed and intrigued by their combined premises and almost purchased them all.
However I can so relate to the feelings and thoughts which Wendy (Literary Feline) voiced in her earlier comment, about Haruki Murakami rather intimidating her, so I put them out for sale, where they did indeed sell as a complete single unit and I was left kicking myself!
The covers on my set, were in no way as alluring as the one you are featuring, which would have me intrigued about the storyline without even opening the cover.
An author who's work I definitely want to try, thanks for sharing :)
Yvonne