Books
by Sei Shönagon
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The Pillow Book |
Sei Shōnagon was court lady to Empress Consort Teishi in Heian-period Japan. Her journal is the earliest example of women’s writing in that country. In a witty literary style she offers vignettes of social repartee at court, gossip, essays, poems, musings, and her famous ‘lists’. Lists are of her favorite novels, or of layered kimono color combinations that are ‘delightful’ or ‘lovely’. Lists concerning the seasons, and Lists of awkward situations. With her journal, she crosses the centuries to share a knowing smile with us. I found it impossible to not smile back at her.
(Sharron Calkins - bwl 112 Spring 2024) |
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