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As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams: Recollections of a Woman in 11th-Century Japan by Sarashina
sydsnot71's review
4.0
This is a delightful poetry packed memoir of a Japanese lady of the middling nobility from the 11th century. She has no name. History has not passed it down to us, which is unsurprising. However, she is known as Lady Sarashina.
This is Ivan Morris's translation from 1970 and I'd be interested to find out if there is a more recent translation. Having read One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each I was aware of the difficulties of translating classical Japanese poetry, with all its allusions and puns, into modern English. Morris outlines that in his introduction, which is definitely worth reading. But I got the impression, from both the introduction and the notes, that he wasn't a particular fan of the poetry and I think the translations by Peter Macmillan in One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each have slightly spoiled me. You feel Ivan Morris preferred translating the prose.
It is an fascinating read. Lady Sarashina seems to have been a writer of some talent, although again we have only a translation here to go on. The story of the manuscript, which Morris, also describes in his introduction is also interesting.
It is only a short book and with its references to other books - like the Tales of Genji - is not a bad introduction to the period.
I also like the idea of friends who communicate with short poems.
This is Ivan Morris's translation from 1970 and I'd be interested to find out if there is a more recent translation. Having read One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each I was aware of the difficulties of translating classical Japanese poetry, with all its allusions and puns, into modern English. Morris outlines that in his introduction, which is definitely worth reading. But I got the impression, from both the introduction and the notes, that he wasn't a particular fan of the poetry and I think the translations by Peter Macmillan in One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each have slightly spoiled me. You feel Ivan Morris preferred translating the prose.
It is an fascinating read. Lady Sarashina seems to have been a writer of some talent, although again we have only a translation here to go on. The story of the manuscript, which Morris, also describes in his introduction is also interesting.
It is only a short book and with its references to other books - like the Tales of Genji - is not a bad introduction to the period.
I also like the idea of friends who communicate with short poems.
esmeloa's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0