Positives This book offers a fascinating and articulate perspective on the social and political attitudes of prominent Japanese writers during the period spanning the Pacific War and the Allied Occupation. Reviewers consistently praise Donald Keene's expertise as a scholar and his unique position as a former American naval officer who later became a leading authority on Japanese literature. The selection of contemporaneous diary entries is highlighted for revealing the immediate, un-reassessed responses of the literati to the unfolding events, including nationalist fervor, propaganda efforts, and the profound sense of shame and loss felt upon surrender. Many found the book rich, moving, and illuminating, providing a different perspective on history and offering insights into the day-to-day lives of people affected by the war. Its engaging narrative style, scholarly commentary, and ability to contextualize primary sources make it highly recommended for general readers interested in wartime Japan.
Negatives However, some readers found that the book did not entirely meet their expectations regarding the balance between the author's commentary and the diary excerpts themselves. A recurring point of criticism is that Donald Keene's analysis and contextualization often take precedence, with the actual diary quotes being relatively brief or serving primarily to substantiate the author's statements. This led some to feel that the book was more about Keene's perspective on Japanese writers than a direct immersion in the diarists' own words. Additionally, a few reviewers noted that the book's pacing could feel swift, covering a broad period rapidly, and that its focus on a specific segment of society meant it wasn't a comprehensive look at the experiences of all Japanese people during the war. One reviewer also wished for a list of any translated full diaries for further reading.
Conclusion Overall, So Lovely a Country Will Not Perish is considered a valuable and thought-provoking work, appreciated for its unique contribution to understanding a complex historical period. Despite some readers desiring more extensive direct quotes from the diaries, the book is widely regarded as an illuminating study of how a nation's conscience, identity, and attitudes evolved through war and occupation. It is particularly suited for general readers with an interest in wartime Japan, the Pacific War, and the cultural and intellectual history of the period. Those who appreciate scholarly analysis interwoven with primary source material, and who seek to understand the immediate human responses to profound national upheaval, will find this a compelling and insightful read.
