Reviews

Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima

Only show reviews with written explanations

bruinuclafan's review against another edition

5.0

Kiyoaki and Satoko. Spring Snow covers the extreme difficulty transitioning from childhood friendship to young love. The emotional education and struggles, societal pressures, and pride. All within a society where what you want is not the least bit important. Add to that the intrigue of the Imperial Court and Japanese high society and the result is a book that is gripping, thrilling, and intoxicating.

I really loved this book for a number of reasons, but most importantly because the writing is outstanding. Some of the passages are achingly beautiful--the perfect mix of joy and sorrow. The plot moves at a good pace, and it was not predictable. Some of the reveals later in the book were jaw-dropping. And Mishima is a master at capturing the psychology of each of his characters. Every action conforms with that character's psyche--the reader knows, "of course Kiyoaki would do that."

The book also has fascinating insights into Japanese life and culture, including the law, which I found fascinating. I highly recommend this book. I did not realize it was book one of a tetralogy when I started, so I guess I've signed up for three more. I'm looking forward to them.

indium's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Gracious and strong writing with a lot of tension building at the end. I think the topic just isn't exactly my thing.

xtinaji's review against another edition

Go to review page

DNF at 20%

tiegongji's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

It was okay.

acmarinho3's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Se ganha por cada passagem ser escrita de uma forma bela e exímia, perde por ter um desenrolar muito lento. Um livro que deve ser lido com atenção ao detalhe, para saborear cada pormenor. Tudo é cuidadosamente pensado e aplicado com mestria. Isto faz com que seja um livro muito bonito. Gostava que o final tivesse sido outro, mas alimentou o meu interesse pela continuação desta tetralogia.