The I-novel is a genre much maligned and misunderstood, but its lasting effects on Japanese literature are undeniable.
To many literary critics, it is an outdated, narrow genre confined to a specific time and place at the beginning of the 20th century. Yet I-novels (shishōsetsu or watakushi shōsetsu) provided a cultural bridge for early 20th century writers to cross beyond Confucian ideals of highbrow literature into a landscape that allowed modern fiction to flourish.
Reconciliation, by Naoya ShigaTranslated by Ted Goossen160 pagesCANONGATE BOOKS
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.