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The Frolic of the Beasts
The Frolic of the Beasts | Yukio Mishima
6 posts | 5 read | 10 to read
Translated into English for the first time, a gripping short novel about an affair gone wrong, from the author of the Sea of Fertility tetralogy. Set in rural Japan shortly after World War II, The Frolic of the Beasts tells the story of a strange and utterly absorbing love triangle between a former university student, Koji; his would-be mentor, the eminent literary critic Ippei Kusakudo; and Ippei's beautiful, enigmatic wife, Yuko. When brought face-to-face with one of Ippei's many marital indiscretions, Koji finds his growing desire for Yuko compels him to action in a way that changes all three of their lives profoundly. Originally published in 1961 and now available in English for the first time, The Frolic of the Beasts is a haunting examination of the various guises we assume throughout our lives, and a tale of psychological self-entrapment, seduction, and crime.
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review
Christoffer
The Frolic of the Beasts | Yukio Mishima
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Pickpick

An academic reading would uncover layers of Japanese literary connections. An ingenue would find a tantalizingly coy narrative. The rest of us, who are somewhere in between, will see echoes of the typically spare Japanese style overlaid with more ornate descriptions, all wrapped with the flashes forward and backward in time, delivering a nuanced yet welcoming tale.

ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Great review! I‘m definitely in the neophyte category with Japanese literature, but relished the language and nuanced descriptions. 4y
Christoffer Nuance is a hallmark of much Japanese literature! Others like Kawabata and Soseki are sparser, but there‘s still an impressive level of delicacy. If you prefer richer language, Kenzaburo Oe might be more to your taste. 4y
4 likes2 comments
review
Emilymdxn
The Frolic of the Beasts | Yukio Mishima
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Pickpick

Reviewing from a few days ago - just got back from Ukraine!

I love Mishima‘s style and this was so slow, meditative but passionate underneath. I love the sense of huge emotions under careful, controlled exteriors that he gives. I‘m absolutely going to read more by him.

56 likes3 stack adds
review
karajay
The Frolic of the Beasts | Yukio Mishima
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Pickpick

I received this book through a goodreads giveaway for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to stop reading, but work always gets in the way.
This book is beautiful. The story engaging. I had a hard time relating to the characters, but the writing drew me in.
There were multiple times when I just gasped and said wow at the beauty of this writing.
This was my first Yukio Mishima and I will definitely be reading more.

review
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled
The Frolic of the Beasts | Yukio Mishima
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Pickpick

Pick, if you enjoy Murakami and/or Mishima.
It‘s typical Mishima (though Im no expert!), full of beautiful descriptions of surroundings and bizarre human behavior. This is a love triangle re-telling of a No play, Motomezuka.
There were many actions by characters that were inexplicably confusing. It‘s dark, but interesting.
If you like Japanese literature, this will work for you.

suvata Right up my alley 6y
karajay I love this book so far (about 2/3 through) it is so beautifully written! 6y
58 likes4 stack adds2 comments
blurb
karajay
The Frolic of the Beasts | Yukio Mishima
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Im loving this book so far and there's something so special about the uncorrected proof cover I received.

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13 likes8 comments
blurb
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled
The Frolic of the Beasts | Yukio Mishima
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Christmas book haul - plus those cool thumb-things to hold your book open!
Bonus: tagged book also describes my children this morning

gradcat 😂😂There‘s some good books in there, plus I want one of those book holder-open thingys, That is, if they work. Let me know if you like it, please (and the laughter is your line about your kids!). 😍 6y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled @gradcat Will do! Finally sitting down after cleaning up some post-Christmas detritus 6y
63 likes2 comments