Rivalry: a geisha's tale

by Nagai, Kafū

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Title Statements

Full title :Rivalry : a geisha's tale / Nagai Kafu ; translated by Stephen Snyder.

Summary

"Rivalry tells a sweeping story in which sexual politics compete with sisterly affection in a world ruled by material transaction. Komayo is a former geisha who, upon the death of her husband, must return to the "world of flower and willow" to escape poverty. A chance encounter with an old patron, Yoshioka, leads to a relationship in which both lovers hope to profit: Yoshioka believes Komayo can restore his lost innocence; Komayo plans to use Yoshioka's patronage to compete in the elaborate music and dance performances staged by her fellow geisha. Yoshioka is eager to ransom Komayo, but as she considers his offer, Komayo falls in love with Segawa, a young actor who promises to turn the talented geisha into the finest dancer in the Shimbashi quarter. Though her feelings for Segawa are genuine, Komayo is eager to use her lover's position to become the lead performer among her peers. Her ambition even tempts her to take on a third patron known only as the "Sea Monster" ... Though she finds herself at the pinnacle of a glittering career, Komayo nevertheless becomes the target of a bitter rivalry between her three lovers that leaves her both thrilled and exhausted, both brutalized and redeemed. Kafu's compelling tale takes readers from the intimate corners of the geisha house to the back rooms of assignation, from the dressing areas of the great kabuki theaters to the lonely country villa of a theater critic and connoisseur of Shimbashi women. His lush depictions of architecture and costumes and his incisive descriptions of urban life and individual motive provide a vivid backdrop for Komayo's struggle-one woman's absorbing quest to find fame, affection, and financial security in the refined but ruthless theater of Shimbashi."--Publisher's description.

Edition Statements

Publication Date:©2007.

Publication Statements

Publisher(s):Columbia University Press
Place of Publication:New York
Language:eng
Publication Date:©2007.

Notes

Translated from the Japanese.

The Physical Object

Description:xii, 165 pages ; : 22 cm

Edition Identifiers

ISBN:9780231141185, 0231141181
oclc:ocm85766670
LC Classification:PL812.A4
Dewey Decimal:895.6/344

Intermission -- A real gem -- Dayflowers -- Welcoming fires -- A dream in the daylight -- The actor's seal -- Afterglow -- Crimes in bed -- The autumn review -- Box seat -- The Kikuobana -- Rain on an autumn night -- The road home -- Asakusa -- At the gishun -- Opening day (I) -- Opening day (II) -- Yesterday and today -- Yasuna -- The morning bath -- Turmoil -- One thing or another.