And Then

And Then, ranked as one of Soseki Natsume's most insightful and stirring novels, tells the story of Daisuke, a young Japanese man struggling with his personal purpose and identity, as well as the changing social landscape of Meiji-era Japan. As Japan enters the 20th century, ancient customs give way to western ideals, creating a perfect storm of change in a culture that operates on the razor's edge of societal obligation and personal freedom.

"This classic from Soseki, the great chronicler of early 20th century Japan, explores the conflict between a young man and his father in Tokyo circa 1905. Daisuke, the spoiled second son of a wealthy family, has a bad case of ennui. Though he is pushing 30, he shows no interest in committing to a relationship or a career, instead choosing to spend time at the kabuki theater with his brother's wife and to live off his monthly allowance. Despite his father's efforts at matchmaking, Daisuke clings to bachelorhood, much to the chagrin of his old man, who was born at the end of the Shogunate. Soseki (The Three Cornered World) expertly describes the emerging merchant class of Emperor Meiji's era with its disaffected younger generation, which eerily parallels Japan's current crop of 'grass-eating men' or the lethargic sons of 1980s go-getters. An unexpected reunion with college chum Hiraoka, and his ailing wife, forces Daisuke to do some soul-searching, leading to an outcome that would be at home in a modern manga plot. Field's elegant translation includes an informative afterword that puts this novel in context with Soseki's large body of work. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

And Then, ranked as one of Soseki Natsume's most insightful and stirring novels, tells the story of Daisuke, a young Japanese man struggling with his personal purpose and identity, as well as the changing social landscape of Meiji-era Japan. As Japan enters the 20th century, ancient customs give way to western ideals, creating a perfect storm of change in a culture that operates on the razor's edge of societal obligation and personal freedom.

Soseki Natsume is the pen name of Natsume Kin'nosuke, born in 1867 in Japan. A scholar of Chinese, Japanese and English literature, Soseki Natsume has written some of Japan's most beloved novels including I Am a Cat, The Gate (Mon), and The Three Cornered World. He is so revered in Japan that his image appeared on the 1000 yen note for twenty years.