The Makioka Sisters
The Makioka Sisters
Book Brief
544
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1930s-1940s
1943
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Makioka Sisters by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki follows the lives of the elite Makioka family in Osaka between 1936 and 1941, focusing on their attempts to find a husband for Yukiko amidst their declining social status and the looming threat of World War II. Sensitive topics include family pressure, social decline, and illness.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
10,837 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's The Makioka Sisters masterfully depicts pre-WWII Japanese culture through the lives of four sisters. Critics praise its rich, elegant prose and intricate portrayal of family dynamics. However, some find its slow pacing and detailed narrative challenging. Overall, it's lauded for its nuanced exploration of tradition vs. modernity.
Who Should Read The Makioka Sisters?
Fans of nuanced, intimate portraits of family life and societal change will enjoy Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's The Makioka Sisters. Perfect for readers of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina or Austen's Pride and Prejudice, this novel offers rich character development, cultural insights, and an exploration of pre-war Japan.
10,837 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Makioka Sisters was originally serialized between 1943 and 1948 in the Japanese magazine Chūōkōron, and its publication was interrupted by World War II, reflecting the turbulent times during which it was written.
The novel is known for its rich narrative style, which merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western literary influences, a hallmark of Tanizaki's writing throughout his career.
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The Makioka Sisters significantly contributed to Tanizaki's reputation as one of Japan's greatest modern authors, capturing the transition of Japanese society from traditional to modern during the Shōwa period.
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544
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 1930s-1940s
1943
Adult
18+ years
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