Emai
to me.
When I was 11 years old, I came across this book. In my childhood,
reading the complete works of world literature was my favorite activity.
In those days, I was fond of reading the complete works of Chinese classic
literature from volume 1. And then I found it. Maybe I was fated to discover
it.
I still remember: The book was on the shelf covered with dust.
When I picked it up, it smelled musty. I wiped dust off the book slowly
and then I looked at the book cover. There was no evidence that anyone
had borrowed it. At the corner of the library, I indulged in reading it
in the light from the west.
Afterwards I went to junior high school, senior high school and
university. Wherever I go, the book stands by me. Why does it attract me
so much?
'The Dream of the Red Chamber' is the most popular book in China,
but in Japan almost of people do not know even the name. In America it
will not be different.
It is very difficult for me to describe its fascination because
it is composed of very complex contexts. If I express its fascination in
one word, it is mentioned “complexity”.
This story is often regarded as a tragic love story between
a handsome boy and a beautiful girl. At first glance, I also thought so.
But I think it is not such a simple story. With age I read various meanings
--- not only a romantic love but the hard realities --- into this book.
As I am thoughtful, I can discover various perspectives into it: as if
it were a kaleidoscope. I clearly recognize all kinds of ugliness about
human being and emptiness of human life are hidden in this graceful story.
Now I want to make sure the book which I read is still on the
shelf covered with dust in the library of the elementary school. Did anybody
borrow it after I did?
If I were asked to choose only on book to bring to a desert
island, I can choose without hesitation. I have to thank fate because in
my life I already obtained something precious.