The Ark Sakura by Kōbō Abe Juliet Winters Carpenter (Translation)

The Ark Sakura is a science fiction novel written by Japanese author Kōbō Abe and translated into English by Juliet Winters Carpenter. It was first published in 1984.

Plot Summary

The story centers around a man named Mole, a recluse who believes the world is on the brink of a nuclear apocalypse. He takes refuge in a giant abandoned underground quarry that he converts into an "ark" to survive the coming disaster. Mole then ventures out to find worthy companions to join him on his ark. However, his search is filled with strange encounters and absurdity as he interviews potential passengers with questionable qualifications.

Themes

The Ark Sakura explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the anxieties of the nuclear age. Abe's dark humor and surrealist style are evident throughout the novel, creating a strange and unsettling atmosphere.

Critical Reception

The Ark Sakura is considered a classic of Japanese science fiction and has been praised for its originality and thought-provoking themes. However, some readers find the novel's plot to be disjointed and the characters to be unsympathetic.

Here are some additional details about the novel:

• Genre: Science Fiction, Dark Comedy
• Setting: Dystopian future, Japan
• Characters:
  • Mole: The protagonist, a paranoid recluse who builds an ark to survive a nuclear apocalypse.
  • Insect Seller: A strange and enigmatic figure who sells exotic insects.
  • Young Man and Woman: Two shills who work for the insect seller.
  • Gang of Youths: A group of delinquents who invade the ark.
  • Elderly Men: A group of wealthy and powerful men who also seek refuge on the ark.
• Style: Surreal, Absurd, Dark Humor