Story: 3 / 10
Characters: 6
Setting: 6
Prose: 4

Haven't read Mishima in years, but this is not what I remember falling in love with. ( )

Not as good as I remember, and difficult to disassociate the story from Mishima's ethnonationalism bordering on fascism.

Regardless, The Sound of Waves evokes some deeply nostalgic feelings. Unten port in Nakijin on Okinawa is the point of departure for Izena Jima where I spent many weekends carousing during my time on the JET Programme. Island life in Japan has a kind of purity where social connections persist over generations. Mishima captures both the close relationship with nature / the sea and the tight bonds of the community.

Mishima has always seemed to me kind of a Japanese Hemingway, writing with an austerity and simplicity and a concern for how traditional masculinity fits into the modern world. However, there is a sweetness and longing in The Sound of Waves - I was expecting a Hemingwayesque tragic ending. Instead, the community on Uta-Jima rises to the occasion to ensure the happiness of the two main characters. ( )

i was so mesmerized by this novel i missed the 17th street stop and barely made it off at 14th. it was hot and still so light out for seven o'clock. ( )

Pretty story. Good boy wins the girl. ( )

Reason Read: this is a 1001 book, published 1954 and also for Asian Author (Japan) challenge.
It is a simple coming of age, first love story between a young fisher boy and diving girl who falls in love against all odds. It is set in a small fishing village and also how small town gossip can ruin lives but honest good behavior can overcome malicious intent. ( )