Pathway to Japanese Literature
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| Original Title | すべてを得るは難し |
|---|---|
| Author | 岸田 国士 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a tranquil Tokyo household, Hiroko basks in marital bliss with her devoted husband Setsuzou, a respectable government official. Their life seems idyllic—a harmonious marriage, a recovered son, and even a competent new maid, Shodai, from the countryside. Yet beneath this veneer of contentment simmers unease. When Hiroko’s sharp-tongued friend Wakako visits, their playful banter masks subtle rivalries, hinting at unspoken dissatisfactions. The arrival of Shodai—naive yet curiously observant—introduces an undercurrent of tension. A stolen photograph of Setsuzou unravels Hiroko’s composure, exposing vulnerabilities in her picture-perfect world. As she confronts the maid, a desperate struggle erupts, revealing Shodai’s infatuation and Hiroko’s gnawing fears of betrayal. Secrets spill like scattered rice: furtive letters, whispered ambitions, and the fragile pride of a wife guarding her happiness. But in a marriage where every virtue is meticulously curated, what shadows lurk behind the lacquered smiles? And when loyalty is tested, what price must be paid to preserve it? |
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