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Snow Country - Yasunari Kawabata

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Reflections on The Decay of the Angel

*Concluding the journey through Yukio Mishima’s final masterpiece*

4
Books
140
Pages
2
Authors Compared
Section I

A Final Chapter

Having recently finished the fourth and final book of Yukio Mishima's Sea of Fertility tetralogy, titled The Decay of the Angel, I wanted to share my thoughts. This series was meant to be Mishima's masterpiece, and although I’ve only read the last two installments, I can say they offer a rich and engaging experience, though perhaps not on the same level as Tolstoy's War and Peace.

I found The Decay of the Angel to be an enthralling read that raises profound questions about how we live our lives and confront our inevitable mortality. A particularly poignant observation I came across was the idea that the tetralogy can be summed up in Mr. Honda's realization that we have just "one shot at life." This concept resonates throughout the narrative and invites readers to reflect on the choices we make.

 

Historical Context and Pacing

While I have not yet read the first two books, I felt that the third book offered a deeper understanding of Mishima's interpretation of life in Japan during and after World War II. The insights into societal changes and personal struggles during this tumultuous period are compelling and provide valuable context for the themes explored in The Decay of the Angel.

At just around 140 pages, this final installment was a quicker read for me, especially given that the hardcover edition I had was larger than the paperback of the third book. The pacing felt brisk, and I appreciated how it maintained my interest while delving into complex themes.

It's a pity that Mishima’s life was cut short, as his work continues to resonate and provoke thought.
Literary Comparisons

I find myself drawn to the literary style of Haruki Murakami, but I also recognize that Murakami's approach is less controversial and more introspective than Mishima's.

AuthorStyle ApproachKey Characteristic
Yukio MishimaControversialProfound and historically rooted
Haruki MurakamiIntrospectiveAccessible and character-driven
  • →Mishima's Style — Controversial, profound, and deeply rooted in historical tension.
  • →Murakami's Style — Introspective, accessible, and character-driven.
Section II

Future Reading

Now, my next step is to seek out the first two books of the Sea of Fertility tetralogy to complete the journey. Although I found the third book to be the strongest in my experience, I'm eager to see how the narrative and themes develop from the beginning. Overall, this tetralogy has been a rewarding and enlightening experience, and I look forward to discovering more of Mishima's profound reflections on life.

Stay tuned for my upcoming review once I have finished the complete tetralogy.

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