---
product_id: 100517179
title: "Diary of a Mad Old Man: Junichiro Tanizaki"
brand: "junichiro tanizaki"
price: "$38"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/100517179-diary-of-a-mad-old-man-junichiro-tanizaki
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# Diary of a Mad Old Man: Junichiro Tanizaki

**Brand:** junichiro tanizaki
**Price:** $38
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Diary of a Mad Old Man: Junichiro Tanizaki by junichiro tanizaki
- **How much does it cost?** $38 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/100517179-diary-of-a-mad-old-man-junichiro-tanizaki)

## Best For

- junichiro tanizaki enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted junichiro tanizaki brand quality
- Free international shipping included
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- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Description

Diary of a Mad Old Man: Junichiro Tanizaki

## Images

![Diary of a Mad Old Man: Junichiro Tanizaki - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71YRGkWwmcL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Disturbing, nightmarish, intelligent and at times funny! Always admirable...
  

*by S***Y on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 November 2009*

Tanizaki was one of those early Japanese writers to become influenced by Western authors. As a direct result of this, or not, his writing has an intimate, personal and possibly confessional tone - it is accessible and readable. This makes a huge difference for a non-Japanese reader, to see things through Japanese eyes or mind, rather than relying on the vague speech and implied messages which is the norm for Japanese communications.While this is true here, the difficult subject of this book makes it a difficult, unsettling read. It is debatable whether the old man is mad, but he certainly is old, ill and dying. His pain, his physical restrictions and endless rounds of medication and treatments are also real and portrayed in detail and with stark honesty. Nothing is overplayed for effect - everything is on the level, making it so much harder to ignore or dismiss. This is a horror story, one from which it is difficult to avert the eyes!The central character is a prototype 'Grumpy Old Man' - it is impossible not to sympathise with his family and servants. He can be short, unreasonable, argumentative, stubborn and down-right rude! Partly this may be the result of all the pain, frustration at his condition, or perhaps rage against death. But some of his behaviour, I feel is the result of his character, or rather his will to observe the niceties of politeness has deserted him  - yes, at times his behaviour is childish and unrestrained, and strangely honest.At other times he is content, relaxed and humorous.The one exception in his relationships is that with his daughter-in-law - she in turns seduces and scolds him, he is tantalized and aroused by both. He is well aware that his desire and behaviour is inappropriate yet that too seems part of the appeal. It is this desire, this rebellion, which causes him to question his sanity, and at the same time give him his one remaining appetite for living!The story's simplicity is deceptive. It is powerful because it does not compromise. It is disturbing, not so much from lewdness, but more from the encroaching shadow of death - a subject we prefer to avoid!Not the most pleasant read due to the subject, but this is more than compensated for by the brilliant execution.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Five Stars
  

*by S***R on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 July 2016*

good book this one

### ⭐⭐⭐ 3.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Good thing it's short
  

*by F***R on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2016*

This is not the best Tanizaki book out there but it's entertaining all the same. Ironically it lacks the weight and wisdom some of his other works have, but I'd recommend it to hardcore Tanizaki fans like me.

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-02-12*