And Then
And Then by Soseki Natsume, published by Tuttle Publishing on September 10, 2011, is a translation that spans 256 pages. This novel explores the life of Daisuke, a young man in his twenties grappling with his identity and purpose amid the transformative social changes of Meiji-era Japan. As the country transitions into the Twentieth Century, Daisuke navigates the tension between traditional customs and emerging Western ideals, reflecting on his feelings of disconnection and abandonment during this pivotal time.
Readers will find a deep psychological exploration of Daisuke’s character as he confronts his emotions and the complexities of his relationships, particularly following his reunion with a college friend and the friend’s ailing wife. The narrative delves into themes of societal obligation versus personal freedom, highlighting Daisuke’s struggle to reconcile his intellectual detachment with the emotional realities of his life. This edition offers insights into the historical context of Japan, making it a significant work within the realms of literary collections and psychological fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
“A Japanese writer of genius.”—Japan Quarterly
Soseki Natsume is considered to be one of Japan’s most beloved and respected authors. And Then is ranked as one of his most insightful and stirring novels.
Daisuke, the protagonist, is a man in his twenties who is struggling with his personal purpose and identity as well as the changing social landscape of Meiji-era Japan. As Japan enters the Twentieth Century, ancient customs give way to western ideals, and Daisuke works to resolve his feelings of disconnection and abandonment during this time of change. Thanks to his father’s wealth, Daisuke has the luxury of having time to develop his philosophies and ruminate on their meaning while remaining intellectually aloof from traditional Japanese culture and the demands of growing industrialization.
Then Daisuke’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is reunited with his college friend and his sickly wife. At first, Daisuke’s stoicism allows him to act according to his intellect, but his intellectual fortress begins to show its vulnerabilities as his emotions start to hold greater sway over his inner life. Daisuke must now weigh his choices in a culture that has always operated on the razor’s edge of societal obligation and personal freedom.
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