The unique and unflappable Uno Chiyo is retelling her life story; as a young woman ostracized and travelled extensively to Korea and Tokyo to find love. Within the context of the time (early 1900s) this was scandalous as she married three times during a time where strict social rules, laws and customs prohibit free love. 

Narrated in the third person style, Kazue is in her seventies and reflecting dispassionately on her life. The introspective narration style is representative of a semi-autoiographical / literary fiction style called watakushi-shosetsu, and follows Kazue from childhood - her recollections of growing up alongside prestige, unquestioned norms and the gradual decline of her household. There are gaps in Kazues recall, but she seems to have a sense of acceptance that 'this was the way'. Perhaps we all think similarly when we look back. 

Through the transformative use of makeup and reactions towards her, Kazue learns about the male gaze. I resonated with this slightly as a young woman trying to find her way in a white patriarchal world. Kazue is almost portryed in a dreamlike state, but don't mistaken this for a lack of agency.

This short story deserves to be part of the Pushkin classic publications, and part of a wider platform for the female perspective in early 1900's Japan.