Citadel

Fumiko Enchi revealed a family secret in “Citadel.” The writer made her grandmother, who lived at the beginning of the Meiji era, the heroine of the novel. In an era when the old feudal order coexisted with revolutionary changes. For “Citadel,” Fumiko Enchi received one of the most prestigious Japanese literary awards – the Noma. The husband commanded Tomo to choose a young concubine of her liking and bring her to their family home. As a dutiful wife, Tomo obeyed. As a woman, Tomo covered her soul with impenetrable armor and transformed into a citadel. From now on, she would have to watch her lustful husband seduce first the young concubine, then entice the innocent maid, and finally start an affair with his mentally ill son’s wife. Will the citadel withstand such an onslaught, or is it destined to fall?