Plot summary, “The Makioka Sisters” by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki in 5 Minutes - Book Review

“The Makioka Sisters“ by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki is a classic Japanese novel that follows the lives of four sisters from a declining aristocratic family in pre-World War II Japan. The novel is set in the 1930s and 1940s, a time of great social and cultural change in Japan. The Makioka family, once prosperous and respected, is now struggling to maintain its status and wealth as Japan modernizes and traditional customs and values are challenged. The story is told through the perspectives of the four Makioka sisters: Tsuruko, Sachiko, Yukiko, and Taeko. Each sister has her own distinct personality, desires, and struggles as they navigate the complexities of family, marriage, societal expectations, and personal desires. Yukiko, the third sister, is the central focus of the novel as she tries to find a suitable husband and fulfill her duty to marry and carry on the family name. Tanizaki’s prose is rich with vivid descriptions of Japanese culture, customs, and landscapes, and he skillful