A review by angelsbeforeman
Star by Yukio Mishima

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

a very short book about rikio, a young actor. there's not much plot beyond rikio filming a movie, because the book's point is to analyse a celebrity's life. rikio is constantly in the spotlight, he's loved by many, and many would like to be with him. he's also in some strange sexual relationship with kayo, his makeup artist, who goes out of her way to defy beauty standards. 
the author explores how a celebrity might feel lonely and empty despite everything they appear to have. it's like rikio wants something more from life but can't put it into words. he feels like he's putting on a mask every time he starts recording, and it's difficult for him to draw a line between who he is and who he's acting as. his attitude towards fans is also interesting, since he

can't take a fan's suicide seriously.

the discussions of death as a celebrity in this book are also interesting. i don't have any complaints about the writing style, i feel like it fit the novel and was well done overall. i would've given this 4 stars if it made me more emotional.