This novel by Misumi Kubo, the author of So We Look To The Sky, takes us on a journey through the changing Japan of 20th century. Three women act as out guides here – Tokiko, Taeko and Suzuko, whose paths cross and subsequently influence their lives. They have a lot in common, but at the same time, face very different fates – all three wante to be independent and to find their place in the world of the Japanese press, but they come from very different backgrounds and have different abilities and talents. Tokiko, a part of the elite since childhood, an elegant emancipated woman, chose the job of an editor. Taeko, a country girl, inherited a talent for drawing, but even as a popular illustrator, she has to work under a pseudonym as to not reveal her gender. Finally – the average, kind Suzuko, who’s worked in the editorial office for several years as an office lady, and then got married. It is her granddaughter who starts to uncover the story of her grandmother and her good friends.
Trinity is an interesting way to learn about the history (or maybe herstory) of Japan and the changes that took place in society after the war. Well-known historical events and famous people appear on the pages of the book (like Kanoko Okamoto or Yukio Mishima) but it’s also full of ordinary everyday events.
