As for Tanizaki, I suggest you try The Makioka Sisters. He could be quite heavy-handed, but the artistry of this novel is comparable to that of Mann’s Buddenbrooks or Lawrence’s The Rainbow. The original title, “sasameyuki, ” indicates the subtlety of his hand here. It can be translated as “powder snow,” but you need to know that that is a real rarity here, where snow is usually slushy. You also need to know that “sasame” refers to a whispered conversation, most likely between a man and a woman, and most likely sad. I guess that the translator or publisher decided there was no way to get all that across; the title itself would have to become a haiku, perhaps.
I wonder if this finds you surrounded by powder snow. If so, I hope it’ s not whispering sadly.
Best regards,
Jeffrey
