About the book
In the last novel written before his death in 1993, one of Japan's most distinguished novelists proffered a surreal vision of Japanese society that manages to be simultaneously fearful and jarringly funny. The narrator of Kangaroo Notebook wakes on morning to discover that his legs are growing radish sprouts, an ailment that repulses his doctor but provides the patient with the unusual ability to snack on himself. In short order, Kobo Abe's unraveling protagonist finds himself hurtling in a hospital bed to the very shores of hell. Abe has assembled a cast of oddities into a coherent novel, one imbued with unexpected meaning. Translated from the Japanese by Maryellen Toman Mori.
Editions of Kangaroo Notebook
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780517198223
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780679424123
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780679746638
Read an Excerpt
In the last novel written before his death in 1993, one of Japan's most distinguished novelists proffered a surreal vision of Japanese society that manages to be simultaneously fearful and jarringly funny. The narrator of Kangaroo Notebook wakes on morning to discover that his legs are growing radish sprouts, an ailment that repulses his doctor but provides the patient with the unusual ability to snack on himself. In short order, Kobo Abe's unraveling protagonist finds himself hurtling in a hospital bed to the very shores of hell. Abe has assembled a cast of oddities into a coherent novel, one imbued with unexpected meaning. Translated from the Japanese by Maryellen Toman Mori.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kangaroo Notebook about?
In the last novel written before his death in 1993, one of Japan's most distinguished novelists proffered a surreal vision of Japanese society that manages to be simultaneously fearful and jarringly funny. The narrator of Kangaroo Notebook wakes on morning to discover that his legs are growing radish sprouts, an ailment that repulses his doctor but provides the patient with the unusual ability to snack on himself. In short order, Kobo Abe's unraveling protagonist finds himself hurtling in a hospital bed to the very shores of hell. Abe has assembled a cast of oddities into a coherent novel, one imbued with unexpected meaning. Translated from the Japanese by Maryellen Toman Mori.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Kangaroo Notebook?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of Kangaroo Notebook?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780517198223
Is Kangaroo Notebook part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Vintage International
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Kangaroo Notebook?
Kobo Abe
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Kangaroo Notebook is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780517198223) and hardcover(ISBN 9780679424123) and paperback(ISBN 9780679746638)
Where can I buy Kangaroo Notebook online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Kangaroo Notebook from below
Where can I buy Kangaroo Notebook?