Kawabatas Thousand Cranes

From the very first few pages it is evident that this work requires more background cultural
knowledge than our previous book, Hesses Siddhartha. One must at the very least possess a
basic knowledge on the Japanese tea ceremony and the intricate symbolism surrounding it to
fully appreciate this novel. While diving head first into this novel without any of these
knowledge will result in a brief disorientation, it is certain that one will immediately
appreciate Kawabatas calm writing style.
One intriguing part of the novel is the title itself. Does it have any real meaning? There's
never any direct mention to it, except for the pattern of the Inamura girl's handkerchief, who
is almost a ghost character; appearing briefly and more mentioned by name than making
appearances in the story. One might suggest that the title represents the efforts Chikako pulled
in trying to enact her agenda with a miai between Kokuji and the Inamura girl.
The book itself is deceptively simple, and it revels in its simplicity. There is no intricate plot,
for I believe its not what Kawabata was trying to achieve. It is apparent that the Thousand
Cranes is a novel of people. The narrative is not guided by plot, but by the intensity of the
emotions dwelling within each of the characters. The pages speak loudly of raw human
emotions, feelings of want, jealously, shame, and fulfilment. Its narrative flows with grace
and without haste. There is no sense of urgency in the story, which if compared to the tea
ceremony, is wholly appropriate.
The tea ceremony plays a crucial part in the story. It does not only represents traditions, but it
also represents memories of days gone by. Once one reads the story, they will understand that
the past haunts the characters and influence their actions.