Pathway to Japanese Literature
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The House with the Persimmon TreeAuthor: Tsuboi Sakae
| Original Title | 柿の木のある家 |
|---|---|
| Author | 壺井 栄 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Female Author |
| Summary | In a quiet village, a towering persimmon tree stands as the heart of a family’s history, its branches heavy with fruit and memories. For siblings Fumie and Yoichi, it is a symbol of their late grandfather’s pride and a cherished link to their playful uncle, Santarō, who adores its sweet harvest but cannot grow his own due to a haunting family tale. When twin brothers are born into the household, joy mingles with tension as Santarō’s childless longing stirs whispers of adoption—a possibility Yoichi fiercely resists. Meanwhile, the tree itself becomes a silent witness to life’s cycles: flourishing after drought, grieving a loss, and stubbornly persisting through seasons. As the twins grow, so does the delicate balance between generosity and possession, tradition and change. With whimsical moments—a bet over the babies’ genders, a gifted goat, and songs beneath rustling leaves—the story weaves warmth and melancholy, inviting readers into a world where roots run deep, and every fruit carries the weight of love, legacy, and the quiet magic of home. |
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