Scan barcode
A review by bergsteiger
The Master of Go by Yasunari Kawabata
2.0
One of the most boring books ever. My version had an intro on how the book was a commentary on the Old Japan versus the New Japan of pre WWII years. Generally, books with agendas turn me off for many reasons. Even outside of this I think the subtleties were lost on me though. I prefer more imaginative authors, like Mishima or Murukami, with plenty going on.
Of note I thought was the comparing of the 'amateurs' in China to the 'professionals' in Japan. The Master struck me as amateurish in his arbitrariness regarding rules, his non-focus on the game when not seated for the match, his diffusion of effort by playing other games to all hours during the tournament. Otake seemed much more the professional and he was of a new generation in the game.
Highlights in the book were definitely Kawabata's descriptions of the scenery before each session of the match. I wish this beauty in language could have been given more free reign--the setting simply did not compliment his apparent talents in this area.
At any rate, it has sat on my shelf for quite a while and I am glad I picked it up finally. That being said, unless you are a fan of Go or reading Nobel Prize literature, go ahead and forego this one. Two stars at best.
Of note I thought was the comparing of the 'amateurs' in China to the 'professionals' in Japan. The Master struck me as amateurish in his arbitrariness regarding rules, his non-focus on the game when not seated for the match, his diffusion of effort by playing other games to all hours during the tournament. Otake seemed much more the professional and he was of a new generation in the game.
Highlights in the book were definitely Kawabata's descriptions of the scenery before each session of the match. I wish this beauty in language could have been given more free reign--the setting simply did not compliment his apparent talents in this area.
At any rate, it has sat on my shelf for quite a while and I am glad I picked it up finally. That being said, unless you are a fan of Go or reading Nobel Prize literature, go ahead and forego this one. Two stars at best.