A Snow Day by Higuchi Ichiyo

Review of the book “A Snow Day” by Higuchi Ichiyo

“A Snowy Day” is a short novel written by Higuchi Ichiyo and first published in 1892. The work is considered one of the most important works of modern Japanese literature, and is an example of realist narrative and the exploration of the lives of women in the Meiji era.

The novel tells the story of a young woman named Oseki, who works as a maid and lives in a poor neighborhood in Tokyo. On a snowy day, Oseki is sent to deliver food to her boss, but she gets lost along the way and ends up in a rich neighborhood in the city. Throughout the novel, Oseki reflects on her life and her place in society.

The title refers to the day when Oseki decides to abandon her husband, an older and violent man who abuses her, to escape with her son to her mother’s house. The snow symbolizes Oseki’s purity and innocence, which contrasts with the dirt and cruelty of the world around her. Snow also represents change and transition, as it marks the beginning of a new stage in Oseki’s life.

The author, Higuchi Ichiyō, was one of the most important and recognized writers of modern Japanese literature. Her work is characterized by portraying with realism and sensitivity the social and psychological conditions of the women of her time, especially those of the lower and marginalized classes. Her style combines elements of the Japanese classical tradition with Western influences, such as naturalism and impressionism.

“A Snowy Day” is a masterpiece of Japanese literature, which shows us the complexity and beauty of human nature through elegant and poetic prose.

Higuchi’s prose is detailed and emotional, and the novel is filled with evocative images and deep reflections on life, poverty, and inequality. The novel’s realistic narrative focuses on exploring the lives of women in the Meiji era, and Higuchi manages to create a complex and human portrait of her protagonist.

In addition to its exploration of the universal themes of life and inequality, “A Snowy Day” is also a social critique of Japanese society at the time. The novel shows how poverty and discrimination affect women and how the lack of opportunities limits their freedom and happiness.

In summary, “A Snow Day” is an emotional and realistic novel that offers a moving reflection on Japanese life and society in the Meiji era. Higuchi’s detailed, emotional prose and her exploration of universal and social themes make the novel a powerful and enriching read. I highly recommend this work to anyone interested in Japanese literature or exploring the lives of women in the Meiji era.