Moon, Snow, Blossom: Wintry Folk Tales from Across Japan
By: Erica Hesketh, Laura Sampson
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‘Beautifully told, evocative tales that capture the wonder of winter and bring Japanese folklore to life.’ Dee Dee Chainey
‘The perfect companion for a winter’s evening… I loved this invitation to snuggle down and explore the lands of frozen waterfalls and tundra, of the full moon and blossom, of mountains and snowfall.’ Bernadette Russell
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Winter in Japan. A time to gather and delight in the ancient tales of mountain spirits and restless ghosts; to wash away the old year and usher in the new. From wondrous creation myths to stories of eerie fox-fires, frost-bitten legends of the deep north to tales of foolhardy fishermen off the southern coast, join Erica Hesketh and Laura Sampson on a journey through deep drifts of Japanese heritage and culture.
‘These sumptuous folk tales are full of wit, wisdom and 気 – life energy… They will make you shiver, ponder, and belly laugh… Essential bedtime reading.’ Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana
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‘In Moon Snow Blossom, Erica and Laura have offered readers a warm, hand-held introduction to the beguiling world of Japanese folk tales. Filled with intriguing stories and helpful commentaries, this collection will delight anyone who loves stories and exploring other cultures through folk narratives.’
- Angharad Wynne, author of Wild Women -
‘This mesmerising book occupies a mythical landscape of strange and beautiful happenings: a man falls in love with a woman made of ice, the kindness of hospitality is richly rewarded, a demon comes disguised as a tricksy old woman, emperors are the direct descendants of gods, enchanted mirrors reflect grief, hope and love, untrustworthy cats are born from ashes, robes are woven from spider webs, and seductive shape-shifting foxes have nine tails. Written with great skill and tenderness, full of heart-gladdening poetry and epic adventures.’
- Bernadette Russell, author of Conversations on Kindness -
‘Elegantly written with beautiful illustrations, Hesketh and Sampson’s compelling collection offers a fresh take on traditional Japanese folktales. Each of these atmospheric stories could be accommodated within the time of a typical commute or a short break, providing some magic and wonder to the reader’s day.’
- Emily Midorikawa, author of A Tiny Speck of Black and then Nothing -
‘Moon Snow Blossom tells the old stories with dedication and a wry smile. A beautiful addition to any bookshelf.’
- Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, author of Harmless Like You -
‘A captivating read. It was a delight to dive into Japanese landscape, history and traditions with such a vivid array of characters. Erica and Laura are masterful storytellers who have brought Japanese folktales and poetry to life.’
- Wendy Shearer -
‘Beautifully told, evocative tales that capture the wonder of winter and bring Japanese folklore to life with care and respect.’
- Dee Dee Chainey, author of A Treasury of British Folklore -
‘Hesketh and Sampson’s sumptuous folk tales are full of wit, wisdom and 気 – life energy. These beautifully crafted wintry tales will make you shiver, ponder, and belly laugh, and will enrich your understanding of humanity. Essential bedtime reading.’
- Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana, author of Skinship