Ryunosuke Akutagawa

In a Grove

«In a Grove» is an early modernist short story consisting of seven varying accounts of the murder of a samurai, Kanazawa no Takehiro, whose corpse has been found in a bamboo forest near Kyoto. Each section simultaneously clarifies and obfuscates what the reader knows about the murder, eventually creating a complex and contradictory vision of events that brings into question humanity's ability or willingness to perceive and transmit objective truth. It is the basis for Kurosawa's “Rashoumon.”
(from Wikipedia)
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Note: The original Japanese text version is also available on Feedbooks at http://www.feedbooks.com/book/4204
12 printed pages
Have you already read it? How did you like it?
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Impressions

  • Callum Murphyshared an impression2 years ago
    💀Spooky
    💡Learnt A Lot

    The story is naturally entertaining, shining a light on the Japanese warrior attitude. Even though it isn't profound or unique, it is good fun and easy to follow, the characters go beyond simple murder mystery archetypes and all have unique and fun perspectives to offer on such a dire and dark topic. The short story does well thematically with the idea of morality and culture for this very reason, but still takes you on a hell of a fun ride through the Japanese landscape and ways of Bushido whilst not denouncing those ways nor applauding them necessarily. If you love Western murder mystery stories, are obsessed with Japan and the Samurai or just want a short fun book, read this.

  • Milanshared an impressionlast month
    👍Worth reading

  • zaitsevae93shared an impressionlast year
    👍Worth reading

Quotes

  • Garumhas quoted6 months ago
    furious desire to kill him seized me
  • Garumhas quoted6 months ago
    least I could satisfy my desire for her without taking her husband's life.
  • Garumhas quoted6 months ago
    the same you've killed them.

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