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A review by bruinuclafan
Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima
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.
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.