Kokoro

By: Natsume Soseki

Narrated by: Matt Shea

Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

"The subject of Kokoro, which can be translated as 'the heart of things' or as 'feeling,' is the delicate matter of the contrast between the meanings the various parties of a relationship attach to it. In the course of this exploration, Soseki brilliantly describes different levels of friendship, family relationships, and the devices by which men attempt to escape from their fundamental loneliness. The novel sustains throughout its length something approaching poetry, and it is rich in understanding and insight. The translation, by Edwin McClellan, is extremely good." (Anthony West, The New Yorker)

©1957 Regnery Publishing (P)2015 Regnery Publishing

Melancolía y sentimientos de culpa

Cuánto tiempo es necesario para castigarnos por los pecados de antaño? Es el sentido de culpa tan fuerte o es la dificilísimo camino de perdonarnos... el que previene una vida tortuosa... un fin como salida

Profound

The philosophy was deep and conveyed perfectly, and the novel itself was well structured and gripping, I got caught off guard by the story several times

Hearth touching and make you in deep emotion.

I think this book is definetely one of the Japanese classic. Soseki's writing skill is impeccable.

Amazing story, amazing delivery

I absolutely adore this book. It was written in such a subtle way which still was able to draw so many emotions from me, and it will definitely prove to be a truly unforgettable book. The narrator did a great job on it. I felt at some points as though he lacked great emotion but I soon realized that that was the way it was meant to be read. Over all, I would highly highly recommend this book.

A melancolic novel

Rather abrupt ending after quite a build-up, leaves the reader not knowing how the protagonist dealt with the situation he seemed to have ended up in.

Wow. This is great literature.

This is a refreshing work of literature. I hope that some contemporary works can be written to strive for such stark beauty, or at least for the honest eloquence about the difficulties of human nature. This is worth reading.

Great reader

Excellent reader! I’m still thinking about the story… which is a good sign that it’s worth a try. It makes me think how canons for story-telling differ between East and West.

INTERESTING

I downloaded this book after I studied a book about Japanese literature and this author was mentioned.
I also have the written version, so I could follow when I was listening.
It is an interesting book, actually different than what I expected.
One thing I have to mention, though.
In the book “Shinshu” is noted to be a Protestant sect this is not true, it is Buddhism.
I am sure this is a translator’s error, I doubt that the author understood it as such.
The narrator, mr. Matt Shea, is the right choice.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

This story always breaks my heart

I love this novel, and the fact that I can listen to it now, especially the part about Sensei, makes it more irresistible. I feel like I am actually listen to Sensei's voice and thoughts and it breaks my heart a little every time I listen to it.

you will learn a lot from this

the books pace is slow at first and you will question where the narrative leads you but once you get into the second part and truly understand the literature you will understand the importance of this book in terms of educating humanity and morality. a story about men i would say, and the struggles with pride and dignity