The Sound of Waves
Yukio Mishima
first published in 1954
183 pages
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Yes, nosy FTC, I bought this one, too. No, I don’t keep track of how much I spend on books. I don’t want to appall my own self.
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I was inspired to read this because Stephanie has been reading Mishima, and I realized the only thing I knew about the guy was that he committed seppuku. And really, how fair is that, that the only thing I know about somebody is how they died, and the only reason I know that is because my high school English teacher took great delight in explaining seppuku to us, while also neglecting to share any of Mishima’s work with us?
He probably taught me something about run-on sentences, too, but obviously, I wasn’t listening that day.
So I set out to try and add to my Mishima memory, and I chose The Sound of Waves for my introduction to this author.
And, hmmmm, what to say.
Let’s start with a quick summary. Young Shinji is a poor fisherman on an isolated Japanese island. He falls in love with the beautiful daughter of a wealthy villager. People disapprove. The lovers tough it out and prevail. (Stephanie has a much better review…you should go check it out.) It’s almost a sweet story, not at all what you might expect from an author who committed ritual suicide.
While I like the story, and I could totally picture the island and the characters despite the sparseness to the prose, there was something about the writing that also left me a bit cold. And I don’t know if that’s from the translation, or Mishima’s style. It’s weird to discuss style when it comes to translations.
Chris informed me that he loves this book. I mentioned the other day that I thought it was meh. But in retrospect, I don’t think that’s really fair to the book. Because I did like the story, and the sense of time and place it conveys (of course, me being me, I’m now ready to move to an isolated fishing village), but I was also left feeling like I’m missing something. Specifically, a sense of why Mishima is so great. A little help here, people? Is it me, or is it the book? Should I have started with another one of his books?
I haven’t read any books by Mishima yet but I’m hoping to do so next year. I’ve heard from my Japanese friends that you either love or hate Mishima’s work. But those that love him say his prose style is beautiful and there is a sensitivity to his words. I’m not sure how that comes across in translation though.
chasing bawa´s last [type] ..Slightly Peckish Tuesday
I am so glad you tried Mishima, though I’m sad he left you feeling meh! That said, I do understand your feelings, because I think I felt similarly to you on this one. It’s a fun little story, but I don’t personally think it captures the depths of Mishima’s greatness. I think it’s really accessible, but there is something lacking to it, I think. The first book I read by him was “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion” which is challenging but REALLY good. The language is superb (I read the Everyman’s version… obviously!
) and it’s a really intense novel. If you’re at all interested in reading more Mishima, that’s what I’d recommend you read!
Steph´s last [type] ..“Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn
I have never heard of this book or this author, but it sounds like this might not be the place to start with him. It’s always difficult to try to pin down style when it comes to translations, and I seem to have a problem with that too.
zibilee´s last [type] ..Up from the Blue by Susan Henderson — 336 pgs
I LOVE the cover of this one, and had not heard of this author before. Sorry this one did not wow you, but perhaps another will be better?
After reading this post, and Stephanie’s comment, I’m interested in this author, but I probably don’t want to start with this novel. It’s a shame your high school English teacher left you with no knowledge about this writer except for the way he died. (Horrible. I know it’s meant to be honorable, but horrible)
Stephanie´s last [type] ..The Story on Thursdays- The Birthday of the World and Other Stories by Ursula Le Guin
I’m thinking that this one probably not up my alley, but I could be wrong… it has been known to happen LOL… A lot of times I eventually end up reading something I don’t think I’ll like and of course I wish I had read it sooner…
Deb@Debbie’s Book Bag´s last [type] ..Winner- Highland Hellcat
I haven’t read any of Mishima’s work and I trust your judgment, so I doubt I will any time soon.
I’ve not heard of this author before but I’d probably not pick it up because the cover is not appealing to me. I know, that’s ME being shallow and silly but I’m a cover snob. I see a fan and a fish and I think, nah.
Ti´s last [type] ..Review- The Reapers are the Angels
I haven’t read anything by Mishima, so I can’t really help. I do love the fish (I think it’s a fish) on the cover, though.
I, too, am easily influenced by books — to move to their settings, to take up the hobbies of their characters, to seek out the food of their cultures.
Erin´s last [type] ..Review- “The Catcher in the Rye” by JD Salinger
Oh well, what a terrible way to do suicide… I never knew about this author myself.
I like this sound of this book, and I am sure you will definitely like some other books by him.
Veens´s last [type] ..9th Shot of Shock- Miss Jéromette and the Clergyman By Wilkie Collins
I love Mishima and have read quite a lot of his work. I don’t remember if I read this one or not. I was a big fan in the 80s, when it was very, very difficult to get his books around here. I was always putting in special orders.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Featuring Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing by Lydia Peelle
Try the Sailor Who Feel from Grace from the Sea. Ohhhh creepy. I remember loving the Sea of Fertility books. And Confessions of a Mask. Oh, just read another one. LOL.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Featuring Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing by Lydia Peelle
I need to read Mishima, but won’t be starting with this one…. even though the cover is gorgeous.
JoAnn´s last [type] ..The Sunday Salon- from Maine
I had to read this one in high school, and I remember feeling about it kind of the same way you did. Nice story, but why was it supposed to be so fantastic? I always feel like I’m missing something with translated works, too. And our teacher didn’t even mention how the author died. I had no idea.
Jeane´s last [type] ..Life Above the Jungle Floor