Struggling Upward

Discover the intricate relationship between literature and society in Timothy J. Van Compernolle's insightful work, Struggling Upward. Published by Harvard University in 2016, this compelling hardback spans 264 pages, offering a fresh perspective on the rise of the modern novel in Japan. Van Compernolle connects the genre to contemporary discussions on ambition and social mobility, providing readers with an engaging exploration of how Meiji novelists navigated complex themes of national identity, social hierarchy, and the transformative landscapes of an industrializing nation. This book is essential for anyone interested in Japanese fiction, naturalism in literature, and the broader societal changes reflected in literary forms. Dive into Struggling Upward to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics between literature and the societal shifts of the Meiji era.