The Key by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

The Key

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki with Howard Hibbett (Translator)

160 pages • first pub 1956 (editions)

fiction classics dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Description

A diary of a middle-aged man who is in love with his younger wife, Ikuko. In spite of that love, the pair have grown physically apart, each unsure of the other's desires ...until the day Ikuko discovers her husband's diary with its desperate hints...

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Community Reviews Summary of 324 reviews

Moods

dark 66%
reflective 50%
mysterious 37%
tense 29%
challenging 20%
emotional 16%
lighthearted 8%
sad 8%
adventurous 4%
relaxing 4%

Pace

medium 41%
slow 33%
fast 25%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 80% | A mix: 20%

Strong character development?

No: 42% | It's complicated: 31% | N/A: 15% | Yes: 10%

Loveable characters?

No: 60% | It's complicated: 34% | Yes: 4%

Diverse cast of characters?

No: 60% | N/A: 20% | Yes: 15% | It's complicated: 5%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 95% | It's complicated: 4%

Average rating

3.43

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Content Warnings

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