Pathway to Japanese Literature
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Rain-Soaked KerriaAuthor: Yamamoto Shūgorō
| Original Title | 雨の山吹 |
|---|---|
| Author | 山本 周五郎 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a quiet samurai household shadowed by duty and honor, a young woman’s sudden disappearance sends ripples of anguish through her family. Her brothers, bound by loyalty to their clan’s reputation, mourn her alleged suicide—a tragedy tied to her refusal of an arranged marriage. Years later, a shocking revelation shatters their fragile peace: she lives, hidden in poverty with a disgraced retainer, their forbidden bond forged in shared sorrow. Torn between familial obligation and compassion, the brothers face an agonizing choice—uphold their code by erasing her existence or defy tradition to protect her fragile happiness. As secrets unravel, the weight of sacrifice and the scars of love blur the line between justice and mercy. Set against the austere beauty of feudal Japan, this tale weaves loyalty, betrayal, and the haunting question of whether redemption lies in forgiveness or bloodshed—a poignant exploration of hearts fractured by duty and the quiet resilience of those who dare to defy fate. |
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