Gan - by Mori Ogai (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Gan (geese) evokes Meiji-era Tokyo: its alleyways, rivers, mansions, poverty, and occasionally tense class interactions. Okada, a student at the most prestigious university in Japan becomes entangled in the romance of a disenfranchised woman and an ethically suspect merchant. At a time of rapid social change, Mori examines the social and economic pressures that continue to bind it's characters, who yearn for freedom. Circumstance, rigid social structure, and the familial and financial obligations drive the characters forward to Gan's powerful ending. Notable for it's deep exploration of character motivation, as well as its wonderfully elaborate female characters, Gan is an exceptional example of early 20th century Japanese Literature. It looks on a changing world, explores its faults and glimmers of hope, and lingers for a moment, bittersweet, at the thought of it's passing.

A bittersweet tale of unrequited love and social constraint in Meiji-era Tokyo.

In Mori Ogai's Gan, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Tokyo, Okada, a university student, finds himself drawn into the orbit of a woman trapped by circumstance and societal expectations. As their paths cross, they navigate the rigid social structures and economic pressures that define their lives.

This poignant exploration of character and motivation delves into the complexities of human relationships, yearning for freedom, and the bittersweet beauty of a fleeting moment in time. Perfect for readers seeking a glimpse into early 20th-century Japanese literature and the universal struggles of the human heart. Discover a world where social obligation clashes with personal desire, and where even the smallest connection can spark a glimmer of hope.

About the Author

Born in 1862 in modern-day Simane prefecture, Mori was born to a family of doctors to the Feudal lord in the area. With the Meiji Revolution, the family relocated to Tokyo, where Ogai was to study medicine and the German language. He enlisted in the army