A review by saralynnburnett
The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon

5.0

I adored this! It was absolutely “delightful” (if you’ve read it you know that delightful is used quite often…) The book is the diary of court lady in Heian Japan and is filled with stories, gossip, and lists. The lists for me were what were so delightful—they’re like little exhibits:

Elegant Things

A white coat worn over a violet waistcoat.
Duck eggs.
Shaved ice mixed with liana syrup and put in a new silver bowl.
A rosary of rock crystal.
Wistaria blossoms.
Plum blossoms covered with snow.
A pretty child eating strawberries.

And the structure!