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Discover the Literary Landscape of Modern Japan: Five Trailblazing Novelists

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In "Five Modern Japanese Novelists," renowned literary scholar Donald Keene introduces readers to five extraordinary Japanese writers who have shaped the literary landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries. Through insightful analysis and captivating excerpts, Keene illuminates the themes, styles, and cultural influences that define their groundbreaking work.

Natsume Sōseki (1867-1916): A towering figure in Japanese literature, Sōseki's psychological realism and existential themes resonate deeply with readers. His most famous work, "Kokoro," explores the nature of identity, alienation, and the human condition.

Tanizaki Jun'ichirō (1886-1965): Known for his sensual and evocative prose, Tanizaki's works delve into the complex relationships between art, beauty, and sexuality. His masterpiece, "The Makioka Sisters," paints a vivid portrait of a traditional Japanese family in decline.

Five Modern Japanese Novelists

by Donald Keene

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24775 KB
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Print length	:	127 pages

Mishima Yukio (1925-1970): A controversial and enigmatic figure, Mishima's writings combine elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and eroticism. His most well-known novel, "Confessions of a Mask," explores themes of homosexuality, identity, and the tension between traditional values and modernism.

Abe Kōbō (1924-1993): A master of the surreal and the absurd, Abe's works depict a world of alienation, existential angst, and environmental degradation. His masterpiece, "The Woman in the Dunes," explores the futility of human struggle against the forces of nature.

Ōe Kenzaburō (born 1935): A Nobel Prize laureate, Ōe's fiction confronts the horrors of war, disability, and the legacy of the atomic bombings. His novel, "Hiroshima Notes," powerfully depicts the aftermath of the atomic bomb on his hometown.

Existentialism and Alienation: Modern Japanese novelists grapple with themes of existentialism and alienation, reflecting the challenges and anxieties of a rapidly changing society.

Sensuality and Beauty: Tanizaki's works are renowned for their sensual and evocative prose, exploring the relationship between art, beauty, and sexual desire.

Historical and Cultural Context: The writers featured in this book draw inspiration from Japanese history, culture, and traditions, reflecting the unique cultural context of their work.

Surrealism and the Absurd: Abe Kōbō's writings embrace surrealism and the absurd, creating a world of alienation and existential angst.

Social Criticism and Legacy of War: Ōe Kenzaburō's fiction confronts social issues and the horrors of war, particularly the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

"Five Modern Japanese Novelists" not only introduces readers to these literary luminaries but also provides a glimpse into the cultural landscape of modern Japan. Keene's analysis highlights the ways in which these writers reflect and shape the social, political, and cultural transformations of their time.

Keene's insightful and engaging prose guides readers through these complex and thought-provoking works. Through "Five Modern Japanese Novelists," readers will gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of contemporary Japanese literature and the profound insights it offers into the human condition.

Donald Keene (1922-2019) was an esteemed scholar, translator, and author who specialized in Japanese literature and culture. His pioneering work has introduced numerous Japanese writers to Western audiences and played a pivotal role in the global recognition of Japanese literature.

"Five Modern Japanese Novelists" is an essential read for anyone interested in Japanese literature, modernism, and the human condition. Keene's authoritative analysis and insightful excerpts provide a comprehensive and engaging to the literary landscape of modern Japan.

Five Modern Japanese Novelists

by Donald Keene

5 out of 5