The Key & Diary of a Mad Old Man (Vintage International)

Tanizaki was one of those early Japanese writers to become influenced by Western authors. As a direct result of this, or not, his writing has an intimate, personal and possibly confessional tone - it is accessible and readable. This makes a huge difference for a non-Japanese reader, to see things through Japanese eyes or mind, rather than relying on the vague speech and implied messages which is the norm for Japanese communications.While this is true here, the difficult subject of this book makes it a difficult, unsettling read. It is debatable whether the old man is mad, but he certainly is old, ill and dying. His pain, his physical restrictions and endless rounds of medication and treatments are also real and portrayed in detail and with stark honesty. Nothing is overplayed for effect - everything is on the level, making it so much harder to ignore or dismiss. This is a horror story, one from which it is difficult to avert the eyes!The central character is a prototype 'Grumpy Old Man' - it is impossible not to sympathise with his family and servants. He can be short, unreasonable, argumentative, stubborn and down-right rude! Partly this may be the result of all the pain, frustration at his condition, or perhaps rage against death. But some of his behaviour, I feel is the result of his character, or rather his will to observe the niceties of politeness has deserted him - yes, at times his behaviour is childish and unrestrained, and strangely honest.At other times he is content, relaxed and humorous.The one exception in his relationships is that with his daughter-in-law - she in turns seduces and scolds him, he is tantalized and aroused by both. He is well aware that his desire and behaviour is inappropriate yet that too seems part of the appeal. It is this desire, this rebellion, which causes him to question his sanity, and at the same time give him his one remaining appetite for living!The story's simplicity is deceptive. It is powerful because it does not compromise. It is disturbing, not so much from lewdness, but more from the encroaching shadow of death - a subject we prefer to avoid!Not the most pleasant read due to the subject, but this is more than compensated for by the brilliant execution.

good book this one

This is not the best Tanizaki book out there but it's entertaining all the same. Ironically it lacks the weight and wisdom some of his other works have, but I'd recommend it to hardcore Tanizaki fans like me.

Essential reading for anyone over 50

A sharp and skillful narrative brings the reader into the wicked mind of an old man willingly drifting into his "second childhood", allowing delirium to take over common sense, present over past without regrets.

A++++

fascinating

It arrived safely some time ago.

I liked it, because I am from Japan, author is very famous, people of matured age, especially having experienced would appreciate this literature.

An old man describing his observations on his weakening body and his still flickering sexual desire. Obviously partially autobiagraphic Tanizaki reflects on his feelings in a slightly ironic way. I have already read "The Key" and I will surely read more of his works.

An interesting novel!

This writer was born in late 1800s and The Key was published in the US in 1960. It details the complicated lack of communication between a husband, wife, daughter, and an outside male friend. Two write in diary form, hoping the other will read their thoughts. This is not a Lolita type of book, but they do discuss sex and sexual acts, desire.

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