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jakepasseri's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Violence, Gore, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: War, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Body horror
chazaiya's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This reads halfway between erotica and black comedy.
The erotica was definitely intended. From what I know about Mishima, he had an interest (obsession? idk) with youth and sensuality, which comes through quite strongly in the way he describes the couple's bodies, even during their suicides.
The comedy of it I feel is a result of my own biases. The absurdity of the couple's dedication to the Rising Sun, as well as the absurdity of the whole situation comes off as "look at these stupid assholes" to me. There's a weight and seriousness to it all that is so heavy that it doubles back into humour. It almost comes across as satire, poking fun at the couple, even though it definitely isn't since Mishima was Bout That Life.
That isn't to say that I thought this was stupid or a waste of time, I just find there to be an inherent idiocy to nationalism, but it's still a good work. Mishima's prose is so in touch with the senses in a way that I have yet to see in another writer. It's a beautiful read from start to finish, even during the gore segments there's a sickly beauty to his words.
The erotica was definitely intended. From what I know about Mishima, he had an interest (obsession? idk) with youth and sensuality, which comes through quite strongly in the way he describes the couple's bodies, even during their suicides.
The comedy of it I feel is a result of my own biases. The absurdity of the couple's dedication to the Rising Sun, as well as the absurdity of the whole situation comes off as "look at these stupid assholes" to me. There's a weight and seriousness to it all that is so heavy that it doubles back into humour. It almost comes across as satire, poking fun at the couple, even though it definitely isn't since Mishima was Bout That Life.
That isn't to say that I thought this was stupid or a waste of time, I just find there to be an inherent idiocy to nationalism, but it's still a good work. Mishima's prose is so in touch with the senses in a way that I have yet to see in another writer. It's a beautiful read from start to finish, even during the gore segments there's a sickly beauty to his words.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Body horror, Gore, and Vomit
Moderate: War
Minor: Sexual content
Imperialismnachtvlucht's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Death, and Suicide
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