Naomi Novel Summary

Author: Cuniciro Tanizaki

Genres: Novel, Fiction, Romance Novel

Subject: Naomi’s story is focused around a man’s obsession for a modan garu or modern girl. The narrator, Jōji, is a well-educated Japanese man who is an electrical engineer in the city, and comes from a wealthy farming family.

Charcters: Naomi,Sonoko Kakiuchi, Osaka,Joji Mitsuko,

Summary

The Beauty

Joji is a successful businessman an electrical engineer arising from a wealthy family.He is seen to shun traditional Japanese values and appraises Western standards.He becomes captivated by Naomi, a modan garu or modern girl’s beauty and youthfulness.

He rescues her from a difficult situation and takes her under his wing, intending to groom her into his ideal woman and proceeds to “Westernize” her. Despite their age difference she was merely fifteen and cultural disparities, Joji becomes increasingly obsessed with Naomi, and she becomes the centre of his universe.

The Manipulation

As the story progresses, Joji’s infatuation with Naomi takes on increasingly destructive dimensions. Naomi is portrayed as a complex and enigmatic character, using her youth and beauty to manipulate Joji and exert control over him as she ages. Throughout the novel, Joji’s obsession with Naomi deepens, and he becomes willing to sacrifice everything for her, including his marriage and his social standing.

She engages in flirtation and manipulation, and Joji becomes embroiled in a tumultuous love triangle involving Naomi and another man. The book ends with her taking full advantage of his obsession and involving in many transgressions and him being merely sated with being obsessed with her.