Scan barcode
blaze20k's review
4.0
This is the first work by Yukio Mishima that I have read, and it was just enthralling. Mishima is such a unique figure, and I was really looking forward to reading his literature after watching the amazing movie Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters. Even though none of the stories here are directly autobiographical, they all feel that way because of how much Mishima's philosophy flows throughout. All 5 deal with Mishima's thoughts on love and beauty, which I was introduced to by the Kyoko's House segment from Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters. The whole thing truly feels like it was told from Mishima's voice.
zophisereads's review against another edition
3.0
These plays are reinterpretations of an ancient art with components of the modern age so it's easier to understand and/or relate to than the originals' (the context and plot of them and the counterparts in Mishima's plays' are quickly mentioned before the plays, which is very helpful). They're short, dynamic yet intense. I love the rich and flourished poetic language the author uses. In regards of mood and tone some are miserable, some funny, some a mixture of the previous two. As it's a collection of plays there's always some that you like more than others but they had some interesting themes even if some others were quite trivial or/and recurring. It was an easy read and I guess it's a palatable read for people that are newly introduced to this art.
abookbish's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
homosexual's review against another edition
4.0
My Booktube
This is a weird thing to rate but here we are.
Overall this is a solid collection. I liked 3/5 plays, the ones I didn't fully enjoy were Kantan and Hanjo. I still liked Kantan, just a wee bit lost on the ending I think.
The play I really liked and would want to see in person was The Damask Drum, that was really solid and I did really enjoy it.
but yeah Mishima continues to impress!
This is a weird thing to rate but here we are.
Overall this is a solid collection. I liked 3/5 plays, the ones I didn't fully enjoy were Kantan and Hanjo. I still liked Kantan, just a wee bit lost on the ending I think.
The play I really liked and would want to see in person was The Damask Drum, that was really solid and I did really enjoy it.
but yeah Mishima continues to impress!
More...