Love is watching someone die.
David Mitchell – The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet
Watching Someone Die
W
“The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” by David Mitchell is a historical novel set at the turn of the 19th century, primarily on the Dutch trading post of Dejima in Nagasaki Harbor, Japan. The story follows Jacob de Zoet, a young and idealistic Dutch clerk who arrives in Dejima to make his fortune and earn the favor of his fiancée’s wealthy father. Jacob finds himself entangled in the cultural and political complexities of the isolated Japanese society, forming an unlikely bond with Orito Aibagawa, a midwife with a tragic past. As Jacob navigates the treacherous waters of deceit, corruption, and power struggles, he faces moral dilemmas that challenge his integrity and beliefs. The novel’s rich historical detail and vivid characterizations explore themes of love, duty, and cultural clash. Mitchell’s intricate narrative weaves together personal stories with broader historical events, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.