The Makioka Sisters

The last line of the book deals with diarrhea. Yes. The Makioka Sisters is a book of non negligible size. It presents and does not judge. It is sweeping in its presentation. Elegiac is the word. Would it not be more apt to describe it as polished? The last line deals with dysentery. A gentle bow,... Continue Reading →

December 10, 2015 4

Junichiro Tanizaki’s Diary Chronicles

The Key and Diary of a Mad Old Man employ diary entries to chronicle the writers' pursuit of sensuality. They offer ample lascivious thrills that one would not be hard pressed not to look beyond the fantastic struggles of the characters and the psychological games that sex involves. But these are classics. They are penned by... Continue Reading →

June 6, 2015 2

Junichiro Tanizaki’s Naomi – Culture Hilarity

"As Japan grows increasingly cosmopolitan, Japanese and foreigners are eagerly mingling with one another; all sorts of new doctrines and philosophies are being introduced; and both men and women are adopting up-to-date Western fashions. No doubt, the times being what they are, the sort of marital relationship that we've had, unheard of until now, will... Continue Reading →

April 2, 2015 2

Seven Japanese Tales of Taboos and Excesses

Junichiro Tanizaki is a writer of extremes cloaked in simplicity. In these short stories there is a slow burn build up of noble emotions without letup. Love, humility, motherhood, devotion are all explored and carried beyond the realms of comfort. As readers, we read on with dread because it now flirts with boundaries of suggested... Continue Reading →

February 3, 2015 3