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A review by helsa
The Old Capital by Yasunari Kawabata
4.0
What a beautiful and breathtaking piece of literature! This is definitely my favourite Kawabata's novel, as it combines a very lyrical, poetic storytelling with tender dynamics and likeable set of characters :D
Compared with Kawabata's other work, where one might dwell in the atmospheric and metaphorical nature of his characters' conversations, here is a novel where the intrigue is not the centre-piece of novel. Rather, the Kyoto city itself is the heart and the main character of the story itself. Steeped in rich depiction of Kyoto merchant-class society customs, traditions, environment and cultural events, readers will have an immersive experience and full rendering of what it feels like living in the Middle age of Kyoto.
The plot is quite straightforward, especially for a Kawabata piece, no love-triangles or forbidden relationship, it tells a simple story of a young Chieko, who was raised by a kimono-tailor family. She found out that she was an adopted child, and met her twin sister, Naeko, in nearby outskirt of the city. While they've just met, both sisters quickly devoted their loyalty and care to one and another – a very tender and sweet relationship really.
This discovery made Chieko's heart stir however, how much did her parents know about this, and will they accept Naeko as their daughter as well? Aside that, and there's also a sub-plot about a number of suitors who are all vying for Chieko's affections, but thankfully this was thread carefully, and never overtaking the main story away from the core.
Partly a celebration and love letter to the old Capital (Kyoto), partly a coming-of-age story and heartwarming tale of a Japanese family, this novel is sure a comfort read to those who long for another visit to Kyoto (like me!) or those who wants to enjoy an immersive dive to Japanese culture while also pondering about what truly defines a family.
Compared with Kawabata's other work, where one might dwell in the atmospheric and metaphorical nature of his characters' conversations, here is a novel where the intrigue is not the centre-piece of novel. Rather, the Kyoto city itself is the heart and the main character of the story itself. Steeped in rich depiction of Kyoto merchant-class society customs, traditions, environment and cultural events, readers will have an immersive experience and full rendering of what it feels like living in the Middle age of Kyoto.
The plot is quite straightforward, especially for a Kawabata piece, no love-triangles or forbidden relationship, it tells a simple story of a young Chieko, who was raised by a kimono-tailor family. She found out that she was an adopted child, and met her twin sister, Naeko, in nearby outskirt of the city. While they've just met, both sisters quickly devoted their loyalty and care to one and another – a very tender and sweet relationship really.
This discovery made Chieko's heart stir however, how much did her parents know about this, and will they accept Naeko as their daughter as well? Aside that, and there's also a sub-plot about a number of suitors who are all vying for Chieko's affections, but thankfully this was thread carefully, and never overtaking the main story away from the core.
Partly a celebration and love letter to the old Capital (Kyoto), partly a coming-of-age story and heartwarming tale of a Japanese family, this novel is sure a comfort read to those who long for another visit to Kyoto (like me!) or those who wants to enjoy an immersive dive to Japanese culture while also pondering about what truly defines a family.