For several years John David Morley steeped himself in Japanese life, from learning shodo, the art of writing, to exploring the cosy bars, cabarets and brothels of the "water trade" - the nightime world where improper behaviour is quite appropriate. This book describes his experiences.
For several years John David Morley immersed himself in Japanese life, from learning 'shodo', the art of calligraphy, to frequenting the night-time world of the ‘water trade’, its brothels, night-clubs, transvestite bars and ‘pink’ cabarets. And he fell in love – deeply, sensually and puzzled to the end.
Written with wonderful panache, wit and delicacy through Morley’s alter ego, Boon, 'Pictures from the Water Trade' is the entrancing tale of an English writer’s journey into the enigma of Japan.
‘Utterly original and unexpected. The book gives one a totally new and fresh idea of Japanese life – to most of us just about as baffling as life on earth can be. Powerful and picaresque.’
‘Arresting and rigorous, 'Pictures from the Water Trade' joins the handful of books which display both deep acquaintance and imaginative insight.’
COLIN THUBRON, 'Sunday Telegraph'
‘Beguiling, subtle and very funny. One grows into the experience of Japan, making random and often acute discoveries as if for oneself.’
ANTHONY THWAITE, 'Observer'
‘Fascinating. Travel literature at its best. Mr Morley is one of those rare travellers who manages to enter the heart of a foreign territory. Rarer still is his ability to take the rest of us along with him.’
ANNE TYLER, 'New York Times Book Review'
‘Vivid, astute and original. He comes closer to the Japanese psyche than most travellers.’
PHILIP OAKES, 'Sunday Times'
