Jenny Erpenbeck opens #Spring 2024 with Sloughing Off One Skin, a haunting #ShortStory that explores truth and identity, translated by Michael Hofmann.
We're on the lookout for perspectives that are currently under-represented on bookshelves in the UK and in the US, and material first written in languages other than English.
#Spring 2024 is here, with Jenny Erpenbeck – translated by Michael Hofmann – following a paper trail while Jakub Żulczyk, translated by John and Małgorzata Markoff, constructs a small epic. Grahame Williams examines a life without a plan and Lauren Caroline Smith tests her faith. Rose Rahtz reads the signs and Caroline Lucas makes the case for compelling and inspiring stories.
So here's a little taste of the marvellous #ShortStories from Jenny Erpenbeck, Jakub Żulczyk, Grahame Williams, Lauren Caroline Smith and Rose Rahtz for #Spring 2024.
For hours I hiked around Kurodani (黒谷) in Kyōto, literally "Black Valley," which is actually a large hill. From Japanese sources I found that the Pure Land (浄土宗) Buddhist saint Hōnen (法然上人) came down from Kurodani on Mt. Hiei in 1175 to build a hut on the hill, which became the major temple Konkaikōmyōji (金戒光明寺). The other temple I visited was Shinshōgokuraku-ji (真正極楽寺) or Shinnyo-dō (真如堂) nearby. Both worship Amitābha (阿弥陀} Buddha, although Shinnyo-dō belongs to the Tendai sect and was founded in 984 during the Heian Period. After the recent rain there was bright green early spring foliage and various flowers to enjoy along with interesting Buddhist statues and architecture.
#askmastodon #askfedi #poll
So questions of the day!
I generally like to ask this of older or experienced people in life.
Disclaimer a fun post, so if you troll it at least make it relevant
If today was your last day alive. #spring
In a paragraph or phrase what do you feel is the most important message to pass on to future generations?
I’ve thought about it for awhile. How would you choose, or prioritize a paragraph or so on the most important message for them that you value personally?!!🙏🥰
#Easter isn't just about chocolate eggs and fluffy bunnies; it's a time steeped in rich #folklore and intriguing traditions.
Fascinating sayings echo through time, like the East Anglian adage that wearing something new on Easter Sunday ensures a year of good fortune. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the sight of donkeys kneeling at sunrise on Easter and braying thrice on #GoodFriday adds a mystical aura to the season.
Divination practices are also common, as the tale of St. Austin's Well in #Dorset offering glimpses into the future. Peering into its depths on Easter morning reveals the faces of those destined to pass away within the year!
As Easter Sunday fades, #Hocktide dawns. Known as "Quasimodo Sunday" for the Latin chant sung this day¹, it was also called Balaam's Ass Day. There is a saying: "Mackerel comes into season when Balaam's Ass speaks to the church!" – it's #spring cleaning time!
"When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself."
-- #Hemingway#AMoveableFeast#Spring@bookstodon