This post has brought to mind Madama Butterfly, maybe you can start a spin-off called "What to listen to... when you read X" I can't believe I haven't read anything by Tanazaki yet so thanks for creating a sudden urge to remedy that.
Pardon me for saying that I feel kind of a Downtown Abbey vibe. It wouldn't be the first time, or the last, that parallels were drawn between Japanese and British culture. I will definitely put Makioka Sisters on my list.
Thanks for such an interesting response - you're definitely right about the parallels between British and Japanese culture. Delighted to hear you're planning to join the Makioka party…
I'm just thinking....a once wealthy family fallen on hard times, the tension between modern life and traditional ways, and the necessity of marrying off daughters.
Interesting that people thought that nothing happens in this book! Found myself gasping in shock at some pages. Great overview, makes me want to read it again!
This post has brought to mind Madama Butterfly, maybe you can start a spin-off called "What to listen to... when you read X" I can't believe I haven't read anything by Tanazaki yet so thanks for creating a sudden urge to remedy that.
What a brilliant idea! And love the Puccini inspiration. If you do check out Tanizaki, your time will not be wasted…
I have a couple of his books, not this one though. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to go to the bookshop...
The TBR pile - know that only too well…
😅🙈
Love how much I learn from you, WTRI! And I love novels in which nothing, ie everything, happens.
And THANKS for the lovely namecheck - what an interesting Mitford allusion....
Not sure if I’m inferring, but thought it was interesting…
Intelligent inference is great fun. I love that kind of thing.
Pardon me for saying that I feel kind of a Downtown Abbey vibe. It wouldn't be the first time, or the last, that parallels were drawn between Japanese and British culture. I will definitely put Makioka Sisters on my list.
Thanks for such an interesting response - you're definitely right about the parallels between British and Japanese culture. Delighted to hear you're planning to join the Makioka party…
I'm just thinking....a once wealthy family fallen on hard times, the tension between modern life and traditional ways, and the necessity of marrying off daughters.
OK, now I'm with you - I was thinking of the Upstairs Downstairs angle, which M. Sisters doesn't really focus on… But your analogy absolutely works.
Interesting that people thought that nothing happens in this book! Found myself gasping in shock at some pages. Great overview, makes me want to read it again!
Ah, you're one of those who appreciate its brilliance - absolutely agree with you! (And really pleased to have reminded you how much you enjoyed it!)
Loved this piece. The sisters now added to my TBR list.
And such cool, and informative, photos.
Thank you.
Always glad to contribute to a TBR pile - thank-you! (It was great fun choosing the images.)