Takaoka's Travels

This book is a gem. Thank you, Stone Bridge Press, for participating in the LT Early Reviewers program.

Takaoka’s Travels by Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, translated by David Boyd, invites adult readers into a mesmerizing world of fantasy and adventure. The story follows Prince Takaoka, who late in life becomes a monk and embarks on his long-desired pilgrimage to India. Along the way, he faces surreal encounters and mystical challenges. Shibusawa’s only novel is a tapestry of mysterious twists that delve deep into the human condition, capturing the essence of adventure and curiosity.

Prince Takaoka is always drawn to the beauty around him, a trait that often leads him into perilous situations. His story intertwines reality with fantasy, blending dreams and waking moments. Each adventure adds new layers of intrigue and depth, creating a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The novel's final two journeys, "Pearl" and "Vinka," mirror Shibusawa’s own life, making the story even more touching.

Awarded the Yomiuri Prize for Literature in 1987 after Shibusawa's death, the book showcases his talent beyond his famous translations. Shibusawa was known for his controversial translations of works by the Marquis de Sade, which stirred significant debate due to their explicit content. Takaoka’s Travels is influenced by surrealism and the avant-garde movement. Boyd's translation is not only beautiful but also easy to read, earning praise and bringing this extraordinary tale to English readers for the first time.