上位の肯定的レビュー
5つ星のうち5.0Rich Complex Characters -- I'd hardly call it "light" fiction
2024年2月27日に日本でレビュー済み
I've been reading this series by the absolutely brilliant Agitogi Akumi in English on Kindle. The translation is adequate and the narrative is rock solid and unshakeable -- it is translation proof! However, as Volume 7 is not yet translated into English, I decided to read it in Japanese. Reading in Japanese is time-consuming for me, Volume 7 took me four days to read, whereas the English volumes were easily devoured in one sitting. However, I am very glad to have taken the time!!!
Reading the novel in Japanese was a wonderful and enriching experience. Agitogi is a marvellous writer and her characters are complex, rich, and deeply intriguing and fascinating human beings. Kiyoka is right up there with the "Greats" of romantic fiction from Genji to D'Arcy and is even a bit of a blonde Heathcliff, too. His character is a tremendous addition to world literature -- as is Miyo, of course! Her journey from a place of childhood abuse, tragedy, and post-traumatic stress disorder rings absolutely true and is alternately heartbreaking, infuriating, compassionate, and always always true to life. Their relationship is also one of the "Greats" of world literature in my humble opinion. So-called "secondary" characters ... Hazuki, Yurie, Godō, and the irrepressible Fuyu and all these beautifully written and observed characters make for a delightful and unputdownable read.
Agitogi's voice as a writer is sure and clear and true. She observes character and characters with courage, deep compassion, understanding, and an eye and heart dedicated to emotional truth. We are very fortunate to be lucky enough to read her work and I'd hardly call the heart of what she is doing as a writer "light". I wouldn't call it "light fiction".
Having said this, I need to say that what had me hooked and riveted through the seven volumes was the relationship between Kiyoka and Miyo. Hazuki's scintillating character and others were also irresistible. So my fascination as a reader was almost completely character driven.
I want to see Agitogi write more character-driven work in future. Perhaps it might not be a bad idea to leave the yōkai behind .... On the other hand, her use of fantasy may enable her to write about characters with more courage. She is a very brave writer!
One thing on the "fantasy" -- it's fascinating to see how she has re-imagined Taishō Japan. When this is seen in the light of the actual history of the Taishō period, well, she puts her finger on such a troubling wound in Japanese history, when we could have gone in several different directions. I hope this will be explored further on a number of levels.
I am SO GLAD to have read volume 7 in the original Japanese. I am now able to say that I have a genuine grasp of this writer's voice and that she is a marvellous writer. My one gripe (これはちょっと御冗談だけれど。。。) is that I wish she didn't use some unusual kanji combinations -- probably due to her education in Classical literature and Kanbun? It's probably easy enough to read for those educated in Japan, but for someone who learned to read Japanese as an adult, a few of the kanji were unusual...! But ... just kidding!
All told, a beautifully written, riveting, amazing journey for which I am deeply grateful.
