The Waiting Years

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Books I've Read
Review: This book took my breath away. Fumiko Enchi describes the life of Tomo, who deals with her adulterous husband with amazing strength. In a complex marriage of love and hate, Tomo is sent to choose a concubine for her husband, find a husband for the other concubine he doesn't want, and worry about his affair with her daughter-in-law. While she may seem like a cold and unfeeling woman who is a stickler to tradition, Enchi shows the reader the gentle, compassionate side of Tomo. Tomo in the end is finally able to defeat her husband in an intelligent, almost classy manner.

What strikes me about the book is the way Enchi explains the motivations and fears of each of the characters. Even though I couldn't stand Tomo's husband, Yukitomo, at least I understood why he treated his wife so coldly. As in reality, everyone has different layers. The plot of the book is also interesting.

Do not wait to read the "The Waiting Years"!

Rating:
Summary: An Eloquent Literary Masterpiece
Review: Upon finishing this beautifully written novel, you may experience chills down your spine from the overwhelming power you feel in the words of Fumiko Enchi. Unforgettable in its subtlety and grace, "The Waiting Years," will haunt you with its portrayal of Japanese culture. I firmly believe that Enchi is the leading female literary figure of Japan. A TIMELESS PIECE OF WORK.