或る「小倉日記」伝

by Seichō Matsumoto, 松本清張

史実に残っていない小倉在住時の森鴎外の足跡を10年の歳月をかけてひたむきに調査する田上耕作とその母。病、貧乏、偏見、苦悩の中で、衰弱が進んでくる（「或る『小倉日記』伝」）。自らの美貌と才気をもてあまし日々エキセントリックになるぬい。夫にも俳句にも見放され、「死」だけが彼女をむかえてくれた（「菊枕」）。昭和28年芥川賞を受けた表題作ほか、孤独との苛酷な戦いをテーマにした、巨匠の代表作品集。

268 pages, Paperback Bunko

Published February 1, 1997

About the author

Seicho Matsumoto (松本清張, Matsumoto Seichō), December 21, 1909 – August 4, 1992) was a Japanese writer.

Matsumoto's works created a new tradition of Japanese crime fiction. Dispensing with formulaic plot devices such as puzzles, Matsumoto incorporated elements of human psychology and ordinary life into his crime fiction. In particular, his works often reflect a wider social context and postwar nihilism that expanded the scope and further darkened the atmosphere of the genre. His exposé of corruption among police officials as well as criminals was a new addition to the field. The subject of investigation was not just the crime but also the society in which the crime was committed.

The self-educated Matsumoto did not see his first book in print until he was in his forties. He was a prolific author, he wrote until his death in 1992, producing in four decades more than 450 works. Matsumoto's mystery and detective fiction solidified his reputation as a writer at home and abroad. He wrote historical novels and nonfiction in addition to mystery/detective fiction.

He was awarded the Akutagawa Prize in 1952 and the Kikuchi Kan Prize in 1970, as well as the Mystery Writers of Japan Award in 1957. He chaired the president of Mystery Writers of Japan from 1963 to 1971.

Credited with popularizing the genre among readers in his country, Matsumoto became his nation's best-selling and highest earning author in the 1960s. His most acclaimed detective novels, including Ten to sen (1958; Points and Lines, 1970); Suna no utsuwa (1961; Inspector Imanishi Investigates, 1989) and Kiri no hata (1961; Pro Bono, 2012), have been translated into a number of languages, including English.

He collaborated with film director Yoshitarō Nomura on adaptations of eight of his novels to film, including Castle of Sand.

Reviews

[Mizuki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seichō Matsumoto was a well respected Japanese novelist in the detective novel genre. The strength of his stories lays not in the murder mystery he could offer, but his sharp observation and understanding of human nature and social situations.

Well, so far I don't find the short stories from this collection terribly interesting, but it's still well written.

PS: I admit it...I didn't finish the whole book. I lost interest 3/4 in.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

人物或苦涩或惆怅或悲惨的一生，皆在作者清冷的笔调之下轻轻完结，像冬日里呵出的一口气，于冷冽的空气中化成白烟，随即消逝。