Kusamakura

Kusamakura which literally translates into "grass pillow" is a common Japanese phrase used in poetry to signify a journey. Considering that Natsume Soseki's novel "Kusamakura" is the story of an artist who retreats to the mountains where he stays at a remote, almost deserted hotel, the title would seem apropos. While there the artist becomes intrigued by the hotel's mysterious hostess, O-Nami, who reminds him of the female in a famous painting. Described by the author as a haiku styled novel the book takes on what should be considered as an experimental style. "Kusamakura" is a combination of musings, poetry and descriptions of our nameless artist. Numerous references are made to writers, poets, and other artists as the narrator meditates on art and the artist's position in society. "Kusamakura" might be considered as a philosophical treatise on aesthetics narrated in the form of a story, certainly as an intriguing early work by an author who would be regarded by some as Japan's greatest ever.