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A review by kate66
Rashomon and Other Stories by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
5.0
I've been meaning to read Rashomon for a while now. I tend to read more modern Japanese literature but there's still that niggly list of "the classics" to be read as there is with every country.
What makes a classic? I've no clue but if they're all as wonderful as Rashomon I'm not sure I care.
The title story is that of a samurai murdered by a man who takes a fancy to the wife. It is told as witness accounts but all the accounts vary so that their version makes them out to be the most injured party. In the end you believe nobody - not even the corpse speaking through a medium.
The other stories are almost cautionary tales - Yam Gruel is the story of a pathetic samurai who loves yam gruel but makes the mistake of telling a powerful comrade that he can never get enough of the stuff. Definitely be careful what you wish for.
The Martyr is parable-like telling the story of Lorenzo who is saint-like and honest but is destined to be martyred by his religious cohorts.
Kesa and Morito is the tale of a doomed and depraved love affair. And finally The Dragon is a tale of a joke turned prophecy (just maybe).
All these stories were perfect. I am assuming it's the translation that gives them such a modern feel but either way, they were engaging, interesting and despite the obvious cultural references were pretty universal stories.
Loved it. Tale of Genji is next.
What makes a classic? I've no clue but if they're all as wonderful as Rashomon I'm not sure I care.
The title story is that of a samurai murdered by a man who takes a fancy to the wife. It is told as witness accounts but all the accounts vary so that their version makes them out to be the most injured party. In the end you believe nobody - not even the corpse speaking through a medium.
The other stories are almost cautionary tales - Yam Gruel is the story of a pathetic samurai who loves yam gruel but makes the mistake of telling a powerful comrade that he can never get enough of the stuff. Definitely be careful what you wish for.
The Martyr is parable-like telling the story of Lorenzo who is saint-like and honest but is destined to be martyred by his religious cohorts.
Kesa and Morito is the tale of a doomed and depraved love affair. And finally The Dragon is a tale of a joke turned prophecy (just maybe).
All these stories were perfect. I am assuming it's the translation that gives them such a modern feel but either way, they were engaging, interesting and despite the obvious cultural references were pretty universal stories.
Loved it. Tale of Genji is next.