"The Waiting Years" is a novel by Fumiko Enchi, first published in Japanese in 1957. The novel is set in Tokyo in the early 20th century and explores the lives of women in traditional Japanese society.
The novel follows the story of Tomo, a young woman who marries a wealthy businessman named Yukitomo. Tomo quickly becomes disillusioned with her marriage, as Yukitomo is often absent and uninterested in her needs and desires. Tomo is also frustrated by the restrictions placed on women in Japanese society, and she longs for more freedom and independence.
As the story unfolds, Tomo becomes involved in a complex web of relationships with other women in her community, including Yukitomo's mother and his mistress. Through these relationships, Enchi explores the themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the ways in which women are pitted against each other in a patriarchal society.
The novel is notable for its examination of the roles of women in Japanese society and for its exploration of the complex relationships between women. Enchi's writing is marked by a poetic style and an attention to detail, and she uses symbolism and imagery to convey the emotional and psychological states of her characters.
"The Waiting Years" is considered a significant work of Japanese literature, and it has been praised for its insightful portrayal of women's experiences in a traditional society. It is often studied in courses on Japanese literature and women's studies, and it remains a powerful and relevant work today.
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