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mjessie's review against another edition
5.0
I want to hang out with Shōnagon, but she'd probably find me vapid. "To be inquisitive about the most trivial matters and to resent and abuse people for not telling one, or, if one does manage to worm out some facts, to inform everyone in the most detailed fashion as if one had known all from the beginning–oh, how hateful!" Yeah, she definitely wouldn't like me.
supdankosmos's review
3.0
THINGS THAT MAKE ONE HAPPY
Getting hold of a lot of stories none of which one has read before.
Or finding Vol.2 of a story one is in a great state of excitement about, but was previously only able to secure the first volume. However, one is often disappointed.
To pick up a letter that someone has torn up and thrown away, and find that one can fit the pieces together well enough to make sense.
When one has had a very upsetting dream and is sure it means that something disagreeable is going to happen, it is delightful to be told by the interpreter that it does not signify anything in particular.
Getting hold of a lot of stories none of which one has read before.
Or finding Vol.2 of a story one is in a great state of excitement about, but was previously only able to secure the first volume. However, one is often disappointed.
To pick up a letter that someone has torn up and thrown away, and find that one can fit the pieces together well enough to make sense.
When one has had a very upsetting dream and is sure it means that something disagreeable is going to happen, it is delightful to be told by the interpreter that it does not signify anything in particular.
jonanas's review against another edition
funny
informative
slow-paced
3.75
Good book, very interesting to learn more about how life at court worked and her writing is good!
Just don't read the dover publication version, the misogyny of the translator is quite obvious in his comment.
Just don't read the dover publication version, the misogyny of the translator is quite obvious in his comment.
_pickle_'s review against another edition
I tried, I really did but couldn't get very far with this.
katykat3's review against another edition
4.0
A unique collection of poems, lists, and descriptions of daily events in the Heian court in the late 900s by one of the ladies-in-waiting, Sei Shonagon, who served Empress Sadako during that time. I read this book in two main chunks. I found that the first section I read was interesting, but more from a historical standpoint. However, when I picked up the book again earlier this year, I suddenly found myself really connecting with Shonagon. I was able to picture scenes from her life or imagination better, and enjoyed seeing a familiar cast of people come up again and again in her stories. I was able to really connect with her and see her as a real person -- I loved her quick wit, her skill with words and fancy puns, and her love of moonlight. The footnotes were instrumental in helping understand key references to poems and stories that the people made, and are completely necessary to read along with Shonagon's text, but because they are so helpful, it wasn't too bothersome for me. Very happy that my attitude toward this book changed mid-read, and very glad I picked up a copy so long ago on somewhat of a whim.
ben_smitty's review against another edition
3.0
The Pillow Book contains mostly notes, lists, poems, and anecdotes from Shonagon's own courtly life in early Medieval Japan. Many women during this period kept diary records, which are helpful for historical reconstruction. And though Sei Shōnagon is probably one of the wittiest writers I've ever come across, readers who aren't familiar with 10th century Japan (me) will find it a little difficult to follow. Though the footnotes are helpful overall in the Penguin Edition, I can't help but feel I'm a little too far removed to enjoy the book for what it's worth.
andthyme's review against another edition
2.0
A somewhat bizarre collection of personal anecdotes of the Japanese court, poetic descriptions and what I can only describe as thousand-year-old listicles. Sample of the latter:
'Situations you have a feeling will turn out badly - A son-in-law who has a fickle nature and tends to neglect his wife, and who now hasn't visited her for some time.
Someone given to lying nevertheless makes himself out to be capable and dependable, and is given an important task to undertake.
A boat with sails raised high in a strong wind.
Someone in their seventies or eighties who's been ill for some days now.'
'Situations you have a feeling will turn out badly - A son-in-law who has a fickle nature and tends to neglect his wife, and who now hasn't visited her for some time.
Someone given to lying nevertheless makes himself out to be capable and dependable, and is given an important task to undertake.
A boat with sails raised high in a strong wind.
Someone in their seventies or eighties who's been ill for some days now.'
losthitsu's review against another edition
4.0
Nice to see that we women are the same, no matter if 1002 or 2010...
danutza's review against another edition
3.0
liked it because of the relaxing atmosphere and because i found out some stuff about the japanese culture
however, it was not catchy enough for me
i guess i will compare every book about japan with shogun for now on.. oops
however, it was not catchy enough for me
i guess i will compare every book about japan with shogun for now on.. oops