Monday, November 26, 2007

Book Club

"The Pillow Book" arrived
a few weeks ago.
There are many translations.

Sei Shonagon (966-1017) kept a journal
while living at the imperial court of Empress Teishi,
in what is now Kyoto, Japan.
Her work is considered a classic.
One I have never read.

Liza Dalby refers to this journal often
in "East Wind Melts the Ice".
I am intrigued.
My daughter used different passages
as jumping off points for writing exercises
when she studied for her masters.
I too am using "The Pillow Book"
for inspiration.
If you would like to join in I will
post a little something for
"Book Club".
I think this will be a fun
winter activity.

4 comments:

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

i would like to join. xoxo nita

Lisa at Greenbow said...

This sounds very intriguing.

Q said...

Dear Nita,
Yeah! This will be fun. We can take as long as we like to read the book. I am doing a few pages at a time. If I feel inspired I am writing a bit.
On my side bar I have a link to book club. Just post a comment when ever you feel inspired!
Fun!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
So far I am very impressed with The Pillow Book. Sei Shonagon does not tell a story, mostly just snippets. She writes about her experiences. I have little background of the Japanese court. I am finding this work fascinating.
I have been inspired to look at the nuances of nature. Today I was watching the birds and watching the different ways the sparrows turn their heads.
I think Sei Shonagon would say, "Delightful!"
Sherry