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Kaneko Misuzu: Life and Poems of A Lonely Princess
This comprehensive biography chronicles the brief but brilliant life of Kaneko Misuzu (1903-1930), a Japanese poet who emerged as a literary phenomenon during the 1920s liberal poetry movement in Japan. Recognized immediately as a rising star in poetry circles, Misuzu created over 500 poems during her tragically short 26 years of life.
The Poetry of Kaneko Misuzu
Misuzu's poems are distinguished by their innocence, purity, and profound empathy for all living things, particularly the small and vulnerable. Her work draws comparisons to renowned female poets Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti, sharing their sensitivity and emotional depth. This collection presents her definitive poems alongside the biographical narrative, allowing readers to experience her artistic voice directly.
A Life of Hidden Sorrows
Beyond her poetic achievements, this book unveils the personal struggles that defined Misuzu's existence. Her life was marked by a series of destabilizing events: the adoption of her younger brother by her uncle (kept as a family secret), her mother's subsequent marriage to that same uncle, and her own difficult marriage to a delinquent husband who refused to grant her custody of their daughter. These circumstances led Misuzu to describe herself as "a lonely princess," a phrase that captures both her isolation and her artistic sensibility.
Resolving the Mysteries
Author Mayumi Itoh resolves many previously unknown aspects of Misuzu's life, providing context for her tragic death at age 26. The book examines how personal tragedy influenced her creative output and why her work resonates so powerfully with contemporary readers. This paperback edition, published independently in January 2018, offers English-language readers access to a poet whose work has touched millions in Japan but remains lesser-known in the West.
For Readers of Japanese Literature and Poetry
This biography serves scholars, students, and general readers interested in Japanese cultural history, women's poetry, and the intersection of personal tragedy with artistic creation. The book provides essential context for understanding early 20th-century Japanese poetry movements while celebrating the unique voice of a woman who transformed personal suffering into universal art.
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