Shunkan and Other Writings

A faithful servant reaches a remote island expecting to find his master broken by exile. Instead, Shunkan is vigorous, outspoken, and ready to challenge everything the capital believes about him. Through their conversations, a famous tragedy becomes a sharp inquiry into grief, freedom, faith, and the stories people prefer to tell.

Other writings turn familiar legends in unexpected directions. Two women called Komachi bargain with a messenger from the dead, only to discover that beauty and desire offer uncertain protection. A rustic servant seeks immortality from people determined to exploit him. A son pursues his father’s killer through contradictory records toward a revenge that grants no simple satisfaction.

A brief vision of Picasso and Matisse rounds out the collection. The supplied order is preserved, including a clearly identified second copy of The Immortal.