The Sound of Waves, by Yukio Mishima

[Jamie]

I read this book as a TBR Takedown pick, because after a distasteful first reading of Mishima, I have not been looking forward to reading more. This book was ok though, with no psychotic kids torturing cats at least, and no gratuitious violence or horribleness. This novel is a love story about a boy named Shinji who falls in love with a rich man's daughter, Hatsue, and who actually gets a sappily happy ending, a rarity in books on the 1001 List.
I found this story very simplistic and predictable, though it was an interesting glimpse at rural island life in Japan. I had to cringe occasionally at the predatory nature of life on the island, especially the slaughter of the sea turtle and sale of its eggs near the end. The attitude of exploitation of sea life that I'm sure seems natural to folks in such a fishing community would clearly decimate the environment if any larger communities maintain such an outlook.
Overall this was an easy read, and not unpleasant, so I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.

[Kristel]

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.

[Gail]

After having read Mishima's Sea of Fertility, his four volume epic that many consider his greatest work, I was not prepared for this simple love story. The dialogue in The Sound of Waves is almost Young Adult, and the plot line and tone reflect a certain folktale quality. However, one knows that it is Mishima by his descriptions of island life and his support of the Japanese conservative values. These values include admiration of scenic views, and admiration of simple and pure objects such as a seashell. In addition he rewards the values of hard work, courage, modesty, and respect for elders. The book flows along easily within the classic story lines of young love that has been forbidden by one's parents. Along the way we learn a bit about island life, women deep sea divers, how one overcomes negative gossip in a small community. We see WWII through the eyes of those left behind to recover after many of their men (husbands, brothers and sons) have gone but the book does not dwell on this. Rather it focuses on how Japan is to move forward through a simple parable about how strength, courage, modesty and respect will ultimately be rewarded.

[Valerie]

read Aug. 2024

On the surface this is a very charming and simple story of love overcoming adversity. The writing is evocative and beautiful, and I assume any word choices I found slightly awkward are due to it being translated. All of that said, I detected a subtle undercurrent that I found disturbing – I’m stuck for the exact word, a combination of pompous, naïve, misogynist. There is very little characterization, mostly the men are manly and the women are breasts. I am still going to give it 3* due to the writing.