D. Leah L. (DLeahL) -
Helpful Score: 1
I feel I should first warn you that this is not light reading. IMO, someone who has at least some prior knowledge of Heian Japan and who is ready to flip through various pages to read the end notes should consider ordering it. But if you are looking to read a diary which follows the format and syntax of what we, at this day and age, consider a diary, this book is not for you.
This is a beautiful book, with an excellent introduction and plentiful footnotes. If you are looking for an insight into the everyday life (more or less) of a noblewoman during this particular unique pocket of history, I think you will not be disappointed.
Be prepared for ambiguities, which are cultural to the time but not to us. Names are often ommitted. Important milestones, such as marriage, are only slightly hinted at. Further, take the melancholy with a grain of salt - it was very popular at that time to express great despair at the fragility and temporary nature of life.
I do not agree that this is some sort of manifesto written by a woman who rebelled against her role in society. It was common for a woman who was one of many wives to express jealousy. Further, a closer reading of the entries, IMO, demonstrate that her husband would have preferred to spend more time with her but that she herself pushed him away much more than the usual formal demurrals of the time.
But altogether I found it intriguing and delightful to read. I feel that I learned much more about the individuals who made up Heian Society when I finished.
This is a beautiful book, with an excellent introduction and plentiful footnotes. If you are looking for an insight into the everyday life (more or less) of a noblewoman during this particular unique pocket of history, I think you will not be disappointed.
Be prepared for ambiguities, which are cultural to the time but not to us. Names are often ommitted. Important milestones, such as marriage, are only slightly hinted at. Further, take the melancholy with a grain of salt - it was very popular at that time to express great despair at the fragility and temporary nature of life.
I do not agree that this is some sort of manifesto written by a woman who rebelled against her role in society. It was common for a woman who was one of many wives to express jealousy. Further, a closer reading of the entries, IMO, demonstrate that her husband would have preferred to spend more time with her but that she herself pushed him away much more than the usual formal demurrals of the time.
But altogether I found it intriguing and delightful to read. I feel that I learned much more about the individuals who made up Heian Society when I finished.
