The Final Charge

In this debut novel, the Takayanagi family of art dealers have long been associated with the artist Yuichiro Kozu (1878-1953). Kozu's eye was uncompromising and clear, whatever the cost. Against the grain of Japanese art he painted from life, from observation rather than memory and imagination. He had no compunction in using people, whether servants or lovers, to set his scenes, no fear of dissection or execution. His paintings testify to a criminal indifference. With the war over interest is renewed in the art of Yuichiro Kozu, but can the truth really be understood from a painting? "Steeped in the culture of Japan and written in an elegant style that doesn't waste time with unnecessary description, this book is a fitting testament to Yuichiro Kozu's work."--World Literature Today