Book · 1998 · New York Times reviewed
The Bridegroom Was a Dog
Why people recommend it
The Bridegroom Was a Dog by Yōko Tawada is a concise, sixty-page short story by the acclaimed Japanese writer that explores surreal and transgressive themes. On The Book Review podcast episode titled Julian Barnes on The Only Story, John Williams discussed and recommended the work, describing it as a short piece by the Japanese author. Later in the podcast series, during the episode titled Jo Nesbo Reimagines Macbeth, Parul Sehgal also recommended the book to listeners, advising that anyone who had not yet read Yoko Tawada should specifically begin with this particular story, noting that the narrative is precisely about the subject indicated by its title. Both speakers highlighted the distinctive nature of Tawada's writing through this short work, positioning it as an ideal entry point for readers encountering the author's imaginative and unsettling fictional world for the first time. The dual recommendations from the podcast contributors underscored the lasting impact of this compact narrative within contemporary translated fiction discussions.
Who recommended it
- John Williams Recommended
- Parul Sehgal Recommended
John Williams — 1 mention
“it's a 60 page essentially long short story by a Japanese writer named Yoko toada called the bridegroom was a dog”
Parul Sehgal — 1 mention
“although if you haven't read toada I suggest you start with the bridegroom was a dog which is about just that”