And Then

September 12, 2011
This classic from Soseki, the great chronicler of early 20th century Japan, explores the conflict between a young man and his father in Tokyo circa 1905. Daisuke, the spoiled second son of a wealthy family, has a bad case of ennui. Though he is pushing 30, he shows no interest in committing to a relationship or a career, instead choosing to spend time at the kabuki theater with his brotherâs wife and to live off his monthly allowance. Despite his fatherâs efforts at matchmaking, Daisuke clings to bachelorhood, much to the chagrin of his old man, who was born at the end of the Shogunate. Soseki (The Three Cornered World) expertly describes the emerging merchant class of Emperor Meijiâs era with its disaffected younger generation, which eerily parallels Japanâs current crop of âgrass-eating menâ or the lethargic sons of 1980s go-getters. An unexpected reunion with college chum Hiraoka, and his ailing wife, forces Daisuke to do some soul-searching, leading to an outcome that would be at home in a modern manga plot. Fieldâs elegant translation includes an informative afterword that puts this novel in context with Sosekiâs large body of work.