"Japanese room": author, content, plot and reviews of the story

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

In the "Japanese room" A. N. Tolstoy tells a romantic, tender, erotic story of a young countess. Much may seem immoral, inappropriate, but the beauty of the author's style cannot be denied. A not immediately noticeable emphasis in the work is placed on the scene, which has become a separate world for the characters. Luxurious Japanese-style decoration appears as beautiful as the main character. At the same time, the plot of A. Tolstoy's "Japanese Room" is not devoid of fiery passion, which absorbed all the norms of morality and decency.

Author of the work

First of all, when reading, the question arises who wrote the "Japanese Room", which is such a provocative novel. It is rather difficult to believe that this is the author of such serious works as "Walking through the torments", the essay "Motherland" and "Aelita". Surprisingly, Aleksey Tolstoy's "Japanese Room" is considered the classic prose of the USSR, although today this book is classified as an erotic novel.

Aleksey Nikolaevich Tolstoy is a very famous Soviet writer. Most of the works of this author are written on historical topics. One cannot deny its presence in the book "Japanese Room", but far from the historical genre is chosen as the main one here. In his life, A. N. Tolstoy loved many women, had affairs with many. Women, who are a reflection of beauty, seductiveness, care, give joy only by their presence. Why can't a writer tell about them, their indefatigable desires, cute nonsense or unsurpassed outward charm? Perhaps, during one of his travels, a similar story happened to the author, which will forever remain in his memory.

The historical novels of Alexei Tolstoy are deep and interesting, he paid attention to understanding the psychology of people, whether it be a king or a simple man from the people. "Japanese Room" was not the first work of the writer in this genre. He is also credited with the authorship of the erotic story "Bath". In the style of writing, similar details can be clearly seen. The text often uses modern words that are not characteristic of the era described. This may surprise or confuse the reader, but it gives an interesting note that is not characteristic of works of art.

Biography of A. N. Tolstoy

Aleksey Nikolaevich Tolstoy was born in the Samara province back in 1882. There he spent his entire childhood. From the beginning of the First World War he served as a war correspondent. There he received his firstpractice as a journalist. He spent several years in exile, traveling to different countries. In 1923 he came to Russia, he was well received, and he decided to stay.

About the origin of Alexei Tolstoy for a long time there were disputes. Until now, it is not known for sure whether he actually belonged to the count family of Tolstoy. Indeed, it is hard to believe that the author of the story "The Japanese Room" had a family connection with Leo Tolstoy, the greatest Russian writer.

Aleksey Nikolaevich was an active member of the Writers' Union. His works described the current policy of Bolshevism, the historical role of tsars and emperors. A. N. Tolstoy can easily be called a true patriot who made a huge contribution to Russian literature. Alexei Tolstoy died of cancer in 1945, already at an advanced age. On the day of his death, universal mourning was declared.

The plot of the "Japanese room"

The story of an old husband unable to satisfy his young wife is widespread and very true. Young Irina was bored with the old count, to whom she was married, even though he tried to entertain her as best he could.

But the young countess managed to come up with entertainment for herself, while doing it very subtly. Leaving for a house by the sea, Irina decided to furnish it herself. Her favorite place was a room decorated exclusively in Japanese style. In this work, the emphasis is on the life of one room, namely the room that has become the main placeaction.

There the girl brings her newly-made young lover, and then the second. In voluptuousness, joys, caresses, they spend all the time until the end of her journey. After the departure of the countess, these two young men are unlikely to be able to live without memories of their time with her.

Book summary

After the death of her parents, the girl remains in the care of a German woman who brings her up. At the age of 16, she was married to Count Rumyantsev. A light, naive girl who, over time, became more and more passionate and demanding love. For the summer, Rumyantsev decided to send his wife to beautiful warm lands, where he rented a house for her with one special room. In the south, Irina accidentally met Count Vesenin, whom she had met at a ball long before. Both of them were glad to meet, and after a ride on a yacht, they headed to the house of the young countess.

There was a Japanese-style room on the second floor. The young countess furnished it herself and treated her with special love and inspiration. The girl quietly changed into a kimono, made her hair in the manner of Japanese geishas. He and Dmitry drank wine, gradually warming up. The girl, who had dreamed of passionate love for so long, began to kiss Dmitry. He returned her kiss, complementing it at first with gentle, but more and more passionate caresses. The young count caressed her breasts, gradually moving lower and lower. They made love, the young man stayed with the nymph until morning. He woke up from her hot caresses, so continued for several more days on vacation. She is like thatnever experienced.

Later Vesenin introduced the girl to his friend Vladimir, who was in no way inferior to him in youth and beauty. That evening, Irina brought the two of them to the Japanese room, they were drinking sake. The Countess began to kiss them both, saying that she desired them together. The Trinity made love, Irina allowed herself to be blindfolded. Young people bathed her in the bathroom, enjoying the beautiful, snow-white young body. So they spent another month before the girl's departure. Vesenin and Vladimir escorted Irina to the train, unable to resist, Vladimir jumped on the train and made the last intercourse.

Book ending

The book ends with Vladimir realizing that this incredibly passionate young woman will remain in his memory forever. Which is not surprising - so open to everything, a girl burning from the inside, full of desire. The unusual atmosphere of the Japanese room to a greater extent influenced such an individual atmosphere of emancipation and sexual sacrament. It is interesting to note that Irina's first lover is described more fully, he has a first name, a surname, a count's title, and a character. Vladimir is named only by his first name. According to this, one can judge that for the countess, over time, it became indifferent to who she was with.

Besides, Vladimir does not know whether it was fortunate or sad that he met her. After all, he would never meet anyone like him again. Which is the main idea that the author wanted to convey. Bright, memorable events that take place in our lives are the happiest moments. However, at the same time they become something unique, which makes one sadly remember aboutthe past, dreaming of repetition. But it is not a fact that the sensations that were once experienced for the first time will be repeated a second time.

Description of the room

Bright shades used in the decor: red and black - the colors of passion, the colors of gypsies, Spanish flamenco. The floor is decorated with a soft carpet embroidered with roses in the same color scheme. Expensive, skillfully carved furniture, upholstered in satin, silk pillows heaped in heaps … Muted pink light pouring on outlandish details in the decoration creates a complete atmosphere of intimacy and seduction. The interior, striking with "originality and splendor", so unusual for Russia at that time. The guests in the room drank sake, a traditional Japanese drink that resembles a strong tincture or vodka. Geisha used to serve sake to men during tea ceremonies.

A luxurious screen upholstered in black satin fabric with images of white storks. In Japan, according to tradition, the screens inside were upholstered with pressed paper from a special kind of wood. Only in rich, often imperial houses, screens with gilding or made of silk were present. Irina's kimono was also made of black silk. Even small details are chosen appropriately: a black silk eye patch, emerald earrings, a hairstyle reminiscent of a geisha. The girl was completely transformed, entering the perfect combination with Japanese style. She became part of this room, just as gorgeous and strikingly different.

Main characters

The key character in the erotic story "Japaneseroom "becomes Irina. Countess Irina Rumyantseva is a spoiled young lady from Moscow.

Baskov - Irina's father, who was distinguished by a noisy disposition and loved to spend his we alth on fun, trinkets and his beloved daughter. Baskov died when Irina was still very young, and her mother died soon after.

Count Rumyantsev is a well-known 50-year-old man who had weight in society. In his youth, the count loved many women. At the time of the wedding, he had no strength left for the young bride, although he did not look for the soul in her.

Count Dmitry Vesenin is a "secular lion", bursting with warmth and youth. For the first time, Irina meets Dmitry at her father's ball, even then she noticed his fiery gaze fixed on her. Later, they met more than once in places familiar to secular people.

Prince Vladimir is a temperamental, young friend of Count Vesenin, who later becomes Irina's lover.

Although Count Rumyantsev actually existed, the character of the frank story "Japanese Room" has nothing to do with him. The hero of the story is very different in temperament from the historical portrait of Rumyantsev. In addition, he never had a bride, Irina. The events described in the book could not have happened in reality and for ethical reasons.

Analysis of the product

Despite the light syllable, the seeming lack of meaning or morality described should be analyzed. Everyone can try to find their own meaning in what is written. Do not forget that Alexei Tolstoy paid special attention to human psychology. This can also be seen onexample of this story. In the Japanese room, Irina was able to release her feminine love and passion. Probably, upon returning home, she again became a decent and faithful wife.

This will never happen again in her life or in the lives of her lovers. The room with pink light in the house in the south became for them a link, the only interweaving in their destinies. And if they met again at a secular evening, only a second spark in their eyes could give them away. But other than that, they would just say hello dryly and walk past with expressions of cold politeness.

If you look for an analogy in the modern world, Irina's journey can be compared to a holiday romance that has been and gone. A short-term hobby, which became for the countess only a pleasant memory. The room played for her the role of a rabbit hole ("Alice in Wonderland"), serving as a guide to a completely different world. A world where Irina can afford to be someone else, like a geisha.

Critic Opinion

It's hard to call the "Japanese Room" serious literature. It is surprising how such a work could be called a Soviet classic. This was more influenced by the name of the author of The Japanese Room than by the content or writing style.

The story has exclusively erotic content. All scenes have a very detailed description, which can confuse an unprepared reader. Expecting to read the work of the honored Soviet figure A. N. Tolstoy, it is difficult to expect such frank scenes that beginalmost immediately.

However, the author should be given credit: amazing descriptions are present throughout the story. Everything that happens is drawn with thin, sensual, skillful stitches. Thanks to what the story does not look dirty. The action in the "Japanese Room" by A. N. Tolstoy appears as beautiful eroticism. Of course, the book is recommended for reading to people over the age of 18.

Feedback on the story

An interesting element of the story is the focus on the Japanese room. In fact, in A. N. Tolstoy, the Japanese room has become the main character, around and depending on which the whole action unfolds. It is as if a separate world is formed in it, transforming Irina herself. Separately, it is worth noting the stunning description of the interior. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of Japanese luxury, as if presented before your eyes.

People give different opinions to this work. Some people like it as a light, laid-back story that can be read in passing. Someone criticizes the author for too frank descriptions, for the stupidity and frivolity of the heroine or the lack of semantic load. It is impossible to say unequivocally what exactly the author wanted to tell and whether he wanted to at all. However, the story can be read at least to enjoy the author's skillful style.