Steeped in Stories: The Makioka Sisters

BOOK REVIEW: THE MAKIOKA SISTERS by Tanizaki (Junichirō), translated by Edward G. Seidensticker

Summary

“The Makioka Sisters” follows the lives of the four Makioka sisters - Tsuruko, Sachiko, Yukiko, and Taeko - in the years leading up to World War II in Osaka, Japan. The story focuses on the family’s attempts to arrange a marriage for the third sister, Yukiko, who is considered the most marriageable but also the most shy and withdrawn of the sisters. As the family navigates the complexities of Japanese tradition and the changing modern world, the story explores themes of family, duty, and the role of women in society. Through the lens of the Makioka household, the novel provides a poignant portrait of a family and a culture in transition.

Me, the Reader

I bought this book several years ago in Hong Kong (Nov. 2017 for HKD$165 according to the tag, although I am pretty sure I got it on discount with a few other books). I tried picking it up then and there, but it wasn't the right time, I didn’t empathize with people the way I do now. I don't have a sister and have never been to Japan, but I have some background on it during the 1930s-1940s. I am also somewhat familiar with the geography and social etiquette, though from an academic perspective, and not a grassroots one like I do with China. There are many things I do not understand about Japan, and my opinions could be wrong.

Stats

This was a long book: 562 pages, with a brief author introduction & character list (which I appreciated), published by Vintage 2000, paperback edition. 

Characters & Setting

The four Makioka Sisters, their family, friends, relations & lovers are all richly developed with unique personalities. They come to life vividly and drive the story. I would not have been so invested in this book if not for the deep impression each character left on me, which made me curious about what their next step would be. The continuity of their experiences and lives is built firmly, and I felt myself growing with the characters over the years-long period in their tale, which hints at the world-wide conflict they seemingly are only mildly affected by. The atmosphere is always detailed and takes on a vaguely magical aura. I had a visceral image in my mind as the characters dined on fresh sushi in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The textures, scents, sounds, and more all come to life. Several times I reminisced about how the next place I want to visit is Japan, but also was constantly reminded how little I could possibly understand about the relationships the people build with each other.

Theme & Meaning

I felt this book was a staunch analysis of the growth of Japan culturally into the new age. Each sister embodied a slightly different view, experience, and struggle into the future. They are interconnected, and each has a unique relationship with one another, which I think also hints at the varying level each has on every person. From an originally well-off family, each woman experiences turbulent life events that change her, and their bonds morph and entangle. The eldest sister, Tsuruko, with a large family who can barely afford to live in the growing metropolis Tokyo, represents (to me) the struggles of the times, especially to those who could not maintain their previous familial status and can no longer rely on that former glory to support them, yet reflect upon it often. The second oldest, Sachiko, who lives arguably the best, carries the weight of her decisions most heavily. She represents to me the one that always seemingly has it easy and who puts on a brave face, but deals with the weight of Japanese mentality the strongest: expected to both uphold traditional values taught to her in youth but simultaneously adapt steadily with the occurrences of modern Japan. The second youngest, Yukiko, is becoming unmarriageable and painfully reserved, and I feel represents the once coveted classic Japanese beauty that, now, is seen as old-fashioned or high maintenance. And then the youngest, Taeko or “Koi-san,” the most modern and clearly most destructive youth in perhaps the whole town, goes through tumultuous decisions one after the next. I feel she represents the attempt at assimilation to Western values too hastily, at risk of destruction to the “self” of Japanese identity, but also the reality that the world is changing and adaptability is necessary for survival. 

As a woman who is typically very critical of female characters, I found myself supportive, refutive, frustrated, sympathetic, and on the whole appreciative of this varied set of characters. They were full, unique, and enjoyable, who acted out a wonderful play. I do not know if men would enjoy this as much as a woman would, but it was very enjoyable for me. There were still a good set of male characters, but this story was definitely female-dominated. 

Author & Translator Impressions

It is clear the writer loved Japan and saw true beauty in the day-to-day life the people lived, and saw their romance, suffering, innocence, and corruption. I really enjoyed the book “Naomi,” which was also focused around the femininity and frustration of the female, but “The Makioka Sisters” felt more modern to me, and I was able to connect with the characters more. I felt the translators did a very good job and the book did not feel like a choppy, rigid, word-for-word dictation at all. It felt detailed and enjoyable to read. I can only imagine the native language as that much more well-written. 

OVERALL RATING: 4/5 ⭐️

Sip slow, read far. 

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