I can see how someone could find this early work by Yukio Mishima boring. The all-too-familiar plot progresses slowly: a poor boy and rich girl fall in love to the disapproval of townspeople and those who want each for him- or herself. But I thoroughly enjoyed this sparse novel by one of Japans most famous writers. The story of Shinji and Hatsue, set in a remote fishing village of post-war Japan, seems timeless, perhaps because of how the narrative is infused with nature. I also admire the lovers as people; each refreshingly exudes an ethic of hard work, modesty, and virtue. Indeed a masterpiece from one of the last people known to have performed seppuku (ritual suicide).

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I purchased this book when I was in Japan. Yukio Mishima is a very famous Japanese author. This is a love story and gives you understanding into the Japanese culture. It is a quick read and enjoyable.

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It's a small island and like a small town everyone knows everyone. When a young woman comes to the island and the village the young men take notice, Shinji among them. He is shy, poor, handsome and hard working but finds that he cannot forget her. When he finally meets Hatsue he wants to spend whatever time he can with her. However, her father is among the wealthier of the island and hopes for a better match than a poor orphan boy. Jealousy rears its ugly force and separates them as the gossip spreads. It's a simple but beautiful love story that is regarded in Japan as one of the greatest of all love stories. I found it a most charming reading experience.

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