Reviews - Bekentenissen van een gemaskerde

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1.26k reviews for:

Bekentenissen van een gemaskerde

Wow. There’s so much to love about this one. The language and writing are beautiful. The novel is believed to be autobiographical in nature. Kochan is a man searching for meaning, identity, and belonging. He grapples with his sexuality, which leads his mind down some dark paths and toward fetishization of some disturbing acts. But, this all beautifully portrayed by Mishima. Kochan’s relationship with Sonoko is something that a lot of young gay men experience while processing their true desires and wants, and while working toward acceptance of who they are. It doesn’t necessarily end there, though. It’s the sort of friendship that can last a lifetime. Existing in this world 40+ years later, I definitely find myself relating to more of Kochan’s fears and uncertainties than I expected. Granted, I’m typically drawn to characters with a deep fear of and need for identity and belonging. Perhaps my favorite thing is that Mishima wrote this with such openness at a time when that want often accepted. I’m so thankful to have been introduced to this book!

vale79's review against another edition

5.0

reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

mrmpll's review against another edition

4.0

dark informative mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

desireewoodwhite's review against another edition

4.5

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

scottflanary's review against another edition

3.0

Well written. This is a story about a Japanese man coming to terms with his homosexuality during wartime. Most of the book is introspective thoughts so there’s little action in this coming of age tale. It’s interesting to read the character mention moments of suicidal thoughts given the author’s demise. Was any part of this autobiographical?