A simple love story between two virginal souls on an island not touched by the corrupting influences of modern life and ideas. Their experience of love is not written over and overladen with ideas of love and is like a blank white sheet of paper.
Mishima’s virtuosity reveals itself over and over throughout the novel especially through the descriptions of waves and wind, two natural forces whose presence are ever present throughout. Unfortunately I think the translation could not capture the rhythm of Mishima’s prose, as the English sounded awkward at parts.
I enjoyed Mishima’s Confessions of a Mask much more, as it had more of a modern feel. I could not relate to this pretty little story set in such idyllic lands and nostalgic circumstances.
