For the history buffs, it's an incredibly detailed picture of court life in imperial Japan. I loved this little book a lot more than I expected to. At one point, she was given some extra paper that had been lying around and decided to make a pillow book - a book kept by her bed, where she jotted down stories, memories, lists, and whatever else came into her head. Sei Shonagon was a lady-in-waiting to the Empress of Japan during the Heian period. Shaved ice mixed with liana syrup and put in a new silver bowl. On a night when you’re waiting for someone to come, there’s a sudden gust of rain and something rattles in the wind, making your heart suddenly beat faster.Ī white coat worn over a violet waistcoat. Even if you’re somewhere where no one special will see you, you still feel a heady sense of pleasure inside. To wash your hair, apply your makeup and put on clothes that are well-scented with incense.

A fine gentleman pulls up in his carriage and sends in some request. Looking into a Chinese mirror that’s a little clouded. Lighting some fine incense and then lying down alone to sleep. Going past a place where tiny children are playing. When he jumps out of bed, scurries about the room, tightly fastens his trouser-sash, rolls up the sleeves of his Court cloak, over-robe, or hunting costume, stuffs his belongings into the breast of his robe and then briskly secures the outer sash - one really begins to hate him. One's attachment to a man depends largely on the elegance of his leave-taking. A flight of crows circle over with loud caws. One is just about to be told some interesting piece of news when a baby starts crying. I hate the sight of men in their cups who shout, poke their fingers in their mouths, stroke their beards, and pass on the wine to their neighbors with cries of 'Have some more! Drink up!' They tremble, shake their heads, twist their faces, and gesticulate like children who are singing, 'We're off to see the governor!' I have seen really well-bred people behave like this and I find it most distasteful. A man who has nothing in particular to recommend him discusses all sorts of subjects at random as though he knew everything. If it is someone of no importance, one can get rid of him by saying, 'You must tell me all about it next time' but, should it be the sort of visitor whose presence commands one's best behavior, the situation is hateful indeed.

One is in a hurry to leave, but one's visitor keeps chattering away. This 10th century Japan private diary of a lady-in-the-court is one of the most extraordinary pieces of non-fiction I’ve ever read - through sweeping, exhaustive lists, Shōnagon, a gossip and a prankster, reveals both the universality of human life and the paticularities of her cloistered life in Japanese court.

The pillow book sei shonagon