A Certain Woman by Arishima Takeo

Review of the book “A Certain Woman” by Arishima Takeo

“A Certain Woman” is a Japanese novel written by Arishima Takeo and first published in 1919. The work is considered one of the most important works of modern Japanese literature, and is an example of the psychological narrative that became popular in the 1970s. 1910 in Japan.

“A Certain Woman” by Arishima Takeo is a novel that tells the story of Yoko Satsuki, a young Japanese woman who rebels against the social conventions of her time and seeks freedom through love. This work is considered one of the precursors of feminism in Japanese literature, since it presents an unprecedented heroine who decides to be sensual and scandalously free.

The novel takes place in the historical context of the Taisho era (1912-1926), a period of openness and modernization in Japan, but also of conflicts and tensions between tradition and Westernization. Yoko Satsuki is an orphan who agrees to marry a Japanese man living in the United States through a marriage arranged by her relatives. However, during the boat trip that takes her to her new destination, she meets the purser Kuraji, a married man who awakens an overwhelming passion in her. Yoko and Kuraji begin a clandestine relationship that scandalizes the other passengers and will test the limits of their love.

Arishima Takeo (1878-1923) was a Japanese writer, painter and social activist who belonged to the Shirakaba (White Birch) movement, a group of intellectuals who defended humanism, individualism and cosmopolitanism. His work is characterized by exploring the psychological and moral conflicts of his characters, as well as reflecting his own life experience marked by love, suicide and scandal. “A Certain Woman” is his most famous novel and also the most controversial, as it is inspired by his adulterous relationship with a married woman that ended in tragedy.”

The novel tells the story of a young woman named Tomoko, who marries an older man for financial reasons. Tomoko feels trapped in an unhappy marriage and seeks solace in her relationship with a young college student. Throughout the novel, Tomoko struggles with her feelings and her desire to find happiness in a society that values ​​stability and conformity over individuality and freedom.

Arishima’s prose is detailed and emotional, and the novel is filled with evocative images and deep reflections on love, identity, and society. The psychological narrative of the novel focuses on the exploration of Tomoko’s thoughts and feelings, and Arishima manages to create a complex and human portrait of his protagonist.

In addition to its exploration of the universal themes of love and identity, “A Certain Woman” is also a social critique of Japanese society at the time. The novel shows how social and cultural expectations limit individual freedom and happiness, and how conformity and obedience are often valued more than personal happiness.

In short, “A Certain Woman” is an emotional and complex novel that offers a moving reflection on Japanese life and society in the 1910s. Arishima’s detailed and emotional prose and her exploration of universal and social themes make the novel is a shocking and enriching read. I highly recommend this work to anyone interested in Japanese literature or exploring human psychology.