Kusamakura

Haiku-style novel exploring art philosophy and beauty in rural japan

Natsume Soseki

158 pages, parution le 13/06/2025

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Résumé

Kusamakura by Natsume Soseki is a celebrated work of Japanese literature, often described as a haiku-style novel that blends travel, art, and philosophy. The story follows an unnamed painter, a man in his thirties, who leaves the bustling city of Tokyo to seek solitude and inspiration in the remote mountains of rural Japan. Arriving at a quiet inn managed by a mysterious and beautiful woman named Nami, the painter immerses himself in the serene landscape, hoping to capture beauty through his sketches and poetry. Instead of focusing on dramatic events, the novel unfolds as a series of meditative reflections and lyrical vignettes. The painter spends his days observing the natural world, engaging in philosophical discussions with the inns inhabitants, and contemplating the nature of art and existence. He draws comparisons between Eastern and Western artistic traditions, referencing poets, painters, and thinkers from both cultures. The narrative is punctuated by the painters own poetry, which is woven seamlessly into the text, enhancing the novels contemplative atmosphere. Nami, the inns hostess, becomes a central figure in the painters musings. Intelligent, literate, and enigmatic, she embodies the novels themes of beauty and mystery. Their interactions are subtle and poetic, hinting at a deeper connection that remains unspoken. The novel also addresses the tension between tradition and modernity, as the painter reflects on the rapid changes sweeping through Japan during the Meiji era and his own place within a shifting world.