Thousand Cranes

Summary

The novel «Thousand Cranes» by Yasunari Kawabata delves into the complexities of human relationships, traditions, and inner struggles. The protagonist, Kikuji Mitani, finds himself drawn into the world of the tea ceremony following his father's death. He encounters several women, each connected to his past and present. Through these encounters, Kikuji grapples with questions of love, duty, and loss. The crane symbol, depicted on a handkerchief, becomes a metaphor for the search for harmony and beauty in life. The novel explores themes of tradition and modernization, as well as the intricacies of human emotions and connections.