Atolls

«Atolls» — a collection of short prose by the Japanese writer Nakajima Atsushi (1909–1942), whose work combines deep philosophical meditation with delicate poetry. The publication includes two cycles of works: «Tales of the Southern Islands» and «Atolls», where the author,... drawing from personal experience in Micronesia in 1941, builds fragile bridges between times and worldviews. Nakajima, known for his reinterpretation of Chinese legends, here addresses colonial themes, exploring the clash of cultures and the nature of power. The first cycle, «Tales of the Southern Islands», includes parables and stories inspired by local myths and legends intertwined with the everyday lives of the islanders. The second, «Atolls», represents a lyrical diary of travels, where travel notes transform into philosophical essays. Nakajima's prose is concise and detailed, and his perspective — both detached and insightful — makes these texts unique testimonies of the era.