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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
I read Danly's translation of this and I haven't gotten around to the rest of Ichiyo's works in the collection but oh my god. This was so cleverly written, so concise, and gave way to each character so perfectly. It was such a bittersweet read that somehow left you leaving not completely pessimistic solely because of the choice of having children as the main characters. The complexity in the relationships and how they were all interconnected from their close physical proximity but also because of the "predetermined fates" they have because of their parents left me rereading their interactions multiple times. The way the pleasure court itself was the main character, and the way I could write essays upon essays on how it was portrayed. The way Ichiyo's poeticism translated so well over to the novel all comes to form a work of art. The Mother of the Japanese Short Story for a reason!!! Higuchi Ichiyo you are insane!!!!
Wow! This was wonderful. The characters are so sharp and real in such a short work, and their character feels as modern as any today. I'm utterly fascinated by the setting and the childish gangs. That alone would be enough but then we have Midori and a powerful glimpse into that tragic step beyond childhood which we all must suffer. This work is truly a timeless gem.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
quite boring but not awful. i love midori i wish he could’ve done more
Short but extremely interesting, particularly with context. The description of life in a red-light quarter through brief vignettes of the squabbles of children is strangely touching, and mere allusions to the nature of the flesh trade set the right tone for the novel (sort of respecting? recognizing? or just taking into the account the innocence of children.) The ending is very poignant – society is split so sharply along class and occupational lines, and only children can overcome that, only for those bonds to crumble later. The translation was a bit literal, but it's an important book for those delving deep into Japanese literature.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes