Who Would Like This Book:
If you love lyrical prose, subtle emotional drama, and Japanese aesthetics, this book is a treat. Kawabata perfectly balances beautiful descriptions with a haunting look at human longing, flawed love, and memory. The characters - especially the women - are deeply layered, mysterious, and unforgettable. If you're drawn to psychological depth, poetic atmosphere, and stories where art and emotion are entwined, you'll likely be captivated. Fans of classic Japanese literature or nuanced relationship dramas should absolutely check this out.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This one isn't for everyone! The pacing is tranquil and sometimes melancholy, so if you crave action-packed plots or straightforward storytelling, you might struggle. Some readers found the male protagonist, Oki, deeply unsympathetic, which can make it hard to connect emotionally. The ending may feel unresolved or abrupt, and the characters' motivations can seem inscrutable. If you prefer stories with clear-cut morals, tidy resolutions, or likeable leads, this book might not hit the right notes for you.
About:
Beauty and Sadness by Yasunari Kawabata is a novel that delves into the themes of love, lust, beauty, and revenge. The story follows the intertwined lives of three main characters - Oki, Otoko, and Keiko - as they navigate through past regrets, illicit affairs, and the repercussions of their actions. Set against the backdrop of Japanese tradition and history, the novel explores the complexities of relationships and the destructive power of love. Kawabata's writing style is described as clear and elegant, with vivid descriptions of landscapes, architecture, and the emotional turmoil of the characters.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Potential content warnings include themes of suicide, mental illness, sexual relationships involving a minor, emotional abuse, and the exploration of grief.
Has Romance?
Romance is a predominant feature of the narrative, characterized by its depth, intensity, and tragic elements.
From The Publisher:
The successful writer Oki has reached middle age and is filled with regrets. He returns to Kyoto to Otoko, a young woman with whom he had a terrible affair many years before, and discovers that she is now a painter, living with a younger woman as her lover. Otoko has continues to love Oki and has never forgotten him, but his return unsettles not only her but also her young lover. This is a work of strange beauty, with a tender touch of nostalgia and a heartbreaking sensitivity to those things lost forever.
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What can you read after
Beauty and Sadness?
About the Author:
Yasunari Kawabata was born in Osaka in 1899. In 1968 he became the first Japanese writer to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. One of Japan's most distinguished novelists, he published his first stories while he was still in high school,…
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