Scan barcode
_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
spacestationtrustfund's review against another edition
3.0
Meredith McKinney's translation is the best, in my opinion; don't read Arthur Waley's. I haven't read Ivan Morris's translation yet (I'll update this when I do) but I've heard good things about the footnotes.
smj322's review against another edition
2.0
Provides an interesting look into court society during the Heian Period of Japanese history, so it's particularly helpful for historians. Still, it's hard to sympathize with the author, who is way too concerned with frivolous things; she seems like a deeply insecure person living in an already self-conscious society.
nipipis's review against another edition
4.0
The book was written in Japan in the 10th century. The traditions may have changed, but people have not and the sarcasm still is on point.
"things later regretted -
(..)
An adopted child who turns out to have an ugly face"
"things later regretted -
(..)
An adopted child who turns out to have an ugly face"