Tsuruya Namboku No Koi (Kobunsha Bunko)

[Machine Translation] Tsurugi, a Fukagawa geisha, is taken in by an old man through the guidance of Juro, an onnagoya (female brothel owner) who has been his lover for ten years. This man is Tsuruya Nanboku, the author of the kabuki play "Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan" (The Ghost of Yotsuya). As if to kindle his last flame, Nanboku goes about his work in the glow of love. Juro struggles to preserve his Edo Kabuki. Tsurugi, the woman loved by both of them. This masterpiece historical novel depicts their fervent lives in a flowing style with a hint of Edo sentiment.

深川芸者の鶴次は十年来の情人である女郎屋稼業・十郎の手引きで、ある老人に囲われることになる。その男こそ歌舞伎狂言『東海道四谷怪談』の作者・鶴屋南北だった。最期の焔を燃やすがごとく、恋の艶めきの中で創作に向かう南北。彼の江戸歌舞伎を守ろうと奔走する十郎。その二人に愛された女・鶴次。彼らのひたぶる命を、江戸情緒香る流麗な文体で描く傑作時代小説。