Status Updates From In The Shade of Spring Leav...

Chapter 4, The Yoshiwara, covers Ichiyō’s mature writing and the influence of Ihara Saikaku (1642-93) on her style.

Starting chapter 4. So far the biography section of the text is pretty good. It switches between explanation and her diary entries. I would like to read more of the diary but i don't know if there is a complete English translation.

I just finished the biography section (it took so long not because of lack of interest, the book is just a challenging read) and it made me so sad to read of Ichiyo's final success quickly swept away by a death that could have been easily prevented by any of her richer friends. I also would love to read an actual novelization of her story. wonder if there's something of the sort in Japanese.