Willem Melchior

While reading God in Japan. Een pelgrimslied one wonders why was this book written. Considering that question, it could be relevant to mention that its author, Willem Melchior has recovered from a life-threatening disease. One could therefore surmise that any book would be a celebration of life. The title suggests that the author sees his travels as a benediction to a divinity that has apparently deemed it right to prolong his life.

However, God in Japan. Een pelgrimslied is not a joyful book. Perhaps misery and complaint are in some way characteristic style elements in the work of Willem Melchior. Then, too, expressing one's disappointment about a travel destination is wholly legitimate for any writer. Louis Couperus famously disliked China.

Willem Melchior has long been on my radar (gaydar), although I was never tempted to actually read any of his books. And once more, Melchior does not deliver. The suggestions of the back cover are a mere lure. Any potential tension of interest, erotic or religious fall flat under the disinterested eye of this cynical observer.

Why was this book written and published. I cannot imagine anyone waiting for this book.… (mer)