Pathway to Japanese Literature
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ScandalAuthor: Yamamoto Shūgorō
| Original Title | 醜聞 |
|---|---|
| Author | 山本 周五郎 |
| Genre | Popular Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In the rigid hierarchy of feudal Japan, Kōdō Kōbei, a principled samurai official, confronts a web of deceit threatening his meticulously guarded reputation. Tasked with investigating Karita Sōhei’s embezzlement of clan funds—a scheme exploiting desperate lower-ranking samurai—Kōbei’s stern adherence to duty masks private turmoil. His young wife Fuji, pregnant yet alienated by his emotional detachment, embodies the isolation of a man who prioritizes honor over humanity. \nThe past resurfaces when a disheveled beggar woman reveals herself as Sakura, Kōbei’s first wife, long believed dead after a scandalous elopement. Her return unearths buried secrets: a sham funeral staged to preserve his standing, and her descent into destitution fueled by addiction and betrayal. As Sakura blackmails him for money, Kōbei grapples with guilt and fear—not only of exposure but of confronting the emotional void that drove her away. \nAmidst political machinations and icy winter nights, Kōbei’s resolve wavers. Can he navigate Karita’s corruption without mirroring his own moral compromises? And will Sakura’s vengeance unravel the lies shielding his clan’s honor? Shadows of deceit and desire converge in a tale where duty and humanity clash, leaving Kōbei to question whether redemption lies in justice or mercy—and if either can save him from ruin. |
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