Some Prefer Nettles by Junichiro Tanizaki

Hurrah! Thanks, citizenkelly!



Well, I've tried to post a picture of the cover, but I just haven't figured out the code -- if anyone can help, I'd be greatly appreciative.

Some Prefer Nettles by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki, a novella about an empty marriage, is at once a depiction of modern attitudes toward marriage and divorce and a meditation on traditional Japanese values. The story is told from the narrative viewpoint of Kaname, the husband of Misako. Over the years of their marriage and after the birth of their son, Hiroshi, he has withdrawn from his relationship with Misako and has encouraged her to seek solace with a lover. As the story proceeds, they are trying to reach a decision about a divorce.

Kaname is intrigued by his father-in-law's life and arrangement with his geisha/mistress O-hisa. Their life seems to beckon back to a simpler, traditional life: "Kaname had no illusions about his ability to imitate the old man; but still when he thought of his own family affairs, of that perpetual knowing countenance and of the endless disagreements, the old man's life -- off to Awaji appointed like a doll on the stage, accompanied by a doll, in search of an old doll to buy -- seemed to suggest a profound spiritual peace reached without training and without effort. If only he could follow the old man's example, Kaname thought."

One of the intriguing aspects of the novel is its description and depiction of Bunraku puppet theatre -- hence the doll imagery in the above quotation.

Tanizaki, the author of the essay, "In Praise of Shadows," a meditation on traditional Japanese crafts, especially as revealed in the Japanese bathroom, uses the same metaphor near the end of the book when Kaname is taking a bath in his father-in-law's home.

In comparison with Western novels, the narration is rather detached and unemotional, but many of the sentiments about male/female relationships reminded me strongly of contemporary novels by Fitzgerald, Maugham, Hesse, and even, strangely enough, D.H. Lawrence. The sense of alienation and existential angst seems to run internationally.

Jane,



should work.

And thank you for starting the thread! Some Prefer Nettles is my next stop!

You're welcome, Jane!

Bäh, I'm rather frustrated at the moment, because I really planned to have read Some Prefer Nettles before tomorrow, but I've been hit by a slew of deadlines...

But I'm on holiday in Ireland next week, and shall hopefully have some thoughts to contribute then! (and I suspect a re-read of The Makioka Sisters might be on the cards!)