A review by cantordustbunnies
The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon

4.0

Invaluable as a window into history, this book is also totally enchanting. The rarified culture in which the author inhabits is as engrossing as it is intricate. The author herself is clearly a very intelligent and witty person (as well as being a bit bitchy which adds to her charm). Unfortunately so much of the word play is lost in translation and we can only get the gist of what she's saying in modern English. Copious explanatory notes are needed. Also there is a rather persistently oleaginous tone throughout when she refers to her superiors (which of course is part of the culture and is enlightening in that regard) that interferes with the enjoyment of the book in and of itself. The fixation on pomp and circumstance while eye-opening in an academic or historical context can become tiresome to the average reader. All that being said this book is really cool and it has inspired me to appreciate the little things in life more and to make a point of living pleasantly. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's sense of style and point of view, and feel lucky to have found a window into such a different place in time.