Alan Brown (1) (1950–)

An easy read with likable characters, provides a glimpse into 1990s Tokyo through the eyes of student Toshi (who craves Americana) and older best friend Paul (who craves Japanese); each character serves to explore the idea of foreignness. Almost Austenesque, doesn’t try too hard and has some lovely images, yet the book is lacking in an emotional punch. Toshi is a little too reactive instead of being the one who has any true transformation, most of plot is external to him. Enjoyable (especially if you’ve ever lived in an Asian country) and stylish but not a second read. Author’s debut/single novel, he went into film afterwards. The book is very visual.… (mais)

It seemed like a lot of people did not care for this book, but I really enjoyed it. I thought the similarities in the women portrayed in the story were interesting. I don't know a lot about Japanese culture - mainly just what I have read - so I can't speak to any authenticity about how Americans were portrayed in Japan during this time period but, considering the author did live in Japan during the time period of the novel, he probably saw some of this going on. I liked the story of the main character and the flashbacks of his life. This novel made me want to read more stories taking place in contemporary Japan.… (mais)

At its heart, Audrey Hepburn's Neck is about difference--yearning for difference, fearing difference, and the same time hoping that there is no such thing. Between cultures, between individuals, and between futures.

Brown has drawn here a man who believes he knows his history, and his future, as well. Toshi thinks he knows who he is, and who his (simple) parents are, and what he wants. If not the reasons, he believes he knows who he is, and so he wanders forward. And as difference confronts him and he finds that his history and his future are hopelessly comingled, to the point of determining his passions, he is both completed and undone.

This sounds vague, and messy, and it is, but the book is anything but. Brown has drawn a masterfully detailed protagonist who any reader can both relate to and fear, and he's done a magnificent job. This book is not what I thought I was picking it up, and it is not flighty or simple, however easy and fast a read it may be. Instead, it is compelling and incredibly difficult, and a bit heartbreaking for how truly true it feels.

Yes, it's recommended.… (mais)