A review by spacemanchris
The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea by Yukio Mishima

challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A beautifully written little novella from the constantly intriguing Yukio Mishima. It has elements that I associate with the "Sun Tribe" culture of disenfranchised, nihilistic teenagers in post-war Japan.

It's kind of adorable in the beginning as thirteen year old Noboru is part of a "gang" of other little kids who mope around, plotting the downfall of all those who are soft and romantic. In the beginning there was something so amusing to me about a group of "good little boys" talking to each other like they're part of a biker gang. At least until that one chapter in the shed.

Although it's only aa short novella, Mushima manages to convey a lot of beauty and ugliness across these 181 pages.