Villon's Wife

with a Modern Translation and Annotations

By: Osamu Dazai

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

This novel by Osamu Dazai, published in 1947, is about the life of a poet whose personality has collapsed, as told by his wife. It features an optimistic and strong-willed wife who is unhappy with her husband's unwillingness to settle down at home but still harbors dreams of a new family.

The story is set in gloomy Tokyo in the aftermath of the war, but it still contains a sense of humor. After reading it, the reader will probably be left with a wry smile and something that stings in their heart.

Annotations

[1] Rice Balls

[2] Sensei

[3] Zabuton

[4] Nakano

[5] Gunma Prefecture

[6] Nineteen Thirty-six

[7] Shochu

[8] When that happened

[9] Secret Military Alcohol

[10] Evacuating

[11] Black Liquor

[12] Peace on Equal Terms

[13] Kurume-gastric Kimono

[14] Air-Raid Clothing

[15] 100 Yen Note

[16] Noble Class

[17] Takuboku Ishikawa

[18] Gakushuin

[19] Koganei

[20] Tokyo Air Raid

[21] Black-market

[22] Kichijoji

[23] François Villon

[24] Inokashira Park

[25] Six Tatami Mats

[26] Epicurean