Sombre Soseki
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Deeply sombre, The Gate has something of the atmosphere of Kokoro though satirical, it is much more subtly so, and less comically so, that I am a Cat.
After one reading and with no critical aid, this book is somewhat enigmatic. Not much happens and it is hard to pin down what Soseki might mean. However, Damian Flanagan's excellent introduction helps to introduce and draw attention to some of the philosophical content, symbolism and imagery, and his reading is quite convincing.
This is a carefully planned, controlled novel. As Flanagan convincingly points out, it can be understood as a satire on a specific kind of "will-less" person - rather than, for example, a treatise on the failure of religion to offer any escape or spiritual support.
It's a pity Peter Owen, the publisher, couldn't have gotten a new translation out of Flanagan as well as an introduction. It reads well in English, but the translation is neverthless about 30 years old, and Peter Owen does seem to be doing a major series of Soseki in English here.
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Welcome to the world of Natsume Soseki
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Natsume Soseki passed away in December 1916 and his books are still making an impact now.
'The Gate' tells the story of Sosuke and Oyone, a middle aged couple who unfortunately have been ex-communicated due to their relationship (Oyone was married previously). The story explores Sosuke and Oyone relationship, a relationship which initially began in passion but as the years have went by has became something more, something they both cherish very much in a quiet but loving manner. Everything changes when Sosuke's younger Koroku moves in with Sosuke and Oyone, they are faced with another face from their past, Koroku does not respect Sosuke because of the life he left behind to be with Oyone.
'The Gate' is about love, family, religion and finding your place in the world, Sosuke feels he has lost his place in the world and tries to change it.
'The Gate' is truly a beautiful book, Natsume Soseki's description of Japanese life is written beautifully, and his descriptions of their surroundings are breathtaking.
A lovely book that makes you thinks.
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