"What a true masterpiece of Japanese literature! The first time I read the novel I was more into the plot and couldn't put it down until I knew how it's gonna end. Btw, naughty-naughty Tanizaki with his last sentence about diarrhea! Bravo! Way to finish the novel full of family drama :)

However, the second time I was able to cherish the parallels between seasons and events (as is often the case with Japanese books), the symbolism with fading cherry viewing experience due to the war events being much closer to Japan. And most of all �� the nuances of complex characters, their thoughts and motives. Although, we only have the perspective of Sachiko and Teinosuke �� I feel like I could finally understand all of the Makioka clan, most of all Yukiko, who I found too perplexed reading the novel for the first time. She seems to be my favorite this time (sorry, Koi-san). I guess I'm becoming older and more mature, too much drama isn't for me anymore. Also, my favorite part is how considerate Japanese people are. One must call it just being anxious, but I'd say I was rather enjoying these thoughts about one's behavior and its interpretation.

Great book, one of my favorite ones! "