The Waiting Years (Japan's Women Writers)
Tomo is buying a mistress for her husband, an act that bewilders many people: not the fact that her husband should have a mistress, but that Tomo is acquiring her. Tomo did not choose this course in her life, but she swallows her pain and personal humiliation and rationalizes how lucky she is to select the woman. Her choice, Suga, believes she is to be Tomo's maid and, with the honest innocence of her protected fifteen years, moves into Tomo's home. In time, Suga too begins to repress her feelings: "Inside the self that achieved expression neither in actions nor in words, that seemed so ineffectual, the feelings that could find no relief lay dark, cold, and silent, like snow settled by night." Ten years later there is another mistress, another humiliation for Tomo. Tomo spends her whole life denying herself for the sake of her family and what she perceives as a greater good. A remarkable women, she manages the family household, oversees various land holdings without the aid of her husband or an education, and provides for many, in spite of the restrictions of her life. Beautiful and thought-provoking,The Waiting Yearswas awarded the Noma Prize, Japan's highest literary honor.-- For great reviews of books for girls, check outLet's Hear It for the Girls: 375 Great Books for Readers 2-14. --From500 Great Books by Women; review by Holly Smith