A review by foggy_rosamund
Naomi by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

3.0

Though an early work of Tanizaki's, a reader can see themes that will haunt all of his later books, especially the clash between Westernisation and traditional Japanese society, men in the thrall to women, and sexual obsessions. Naomi is only 15 when she is approached by 28-year-old Joji: brought up in a brothel, her mother is happy to allow Joji to take over her eduction. He sets up house with her, sending her to English and music lessons, and dressing her in lots of different outfits. She is the subject of all his thoughts, and he quickly stops expecting her to act as his maid, allowing her to buy whatever she wants, and to entertain young men. He eventually marries her, but he still thinks she is pure and chased, and is shocked to discover that she is anything but. It's a strange novel to read, both an indictment of the impact of Western culture on Japan, and a celebration of new social mores. It places Naomi at the centre of the story, and the narrative is ambivalent as to whether it celebrates her and her independence, or sees her as spoiled and manipulative. It's these ambiguities that make the novel fascinating and memorable, even though the story itself is relatively straightforward.