Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

Petra, Darren and Erin are buddy reading Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima in April 2019.

Everyone feel free to join in!

Oh this is tempting, but as I'd be reading along in the complete The Sea of Fertility tetraology, I don't know if I'll have time. We'll see.

Very tempting!

I plan on starting tomorrow. I should finish my current book today.

I'm looking forward to this read and hope you all join Darren, Erin and I.

I have the complete tetraology, too. I hope I enjoy this first book and continue to the rest. :D

Chapters 1-3
I'm not sure at this point whether I have sympathy for Kiyoaki or not. He's a product of his family's ambition. He's been raised to attain higher than the family's standing. That brings uncertainty to his mind, I would think. I mean, it must make one feel like an outsider to know that the family doesn't consider itself "good enough" and to be raised to be "higher" than the family. That seems a disconnection and confusion for a child.
Also, he's incredibly handsome and women of all ages turn their heads towards him. Teenagers haven't changed over time. This knowledge of being admired can lead to aloofness and vanity.

It took me awhile to get into this book and I'm not sure I'm totally engaged in it yet but there is a beauty to the writing and the descriptions that is compelling.
As well, there's a sense of a society of ritual, peace and serenity. It's peaceful reading about such lavish and calm households.

At this point, I'm intrigued. I'm not terribly keen on Kiyoaki, he's too placid in character at this point, but I do like his friend Honda, who seems to have more substance and weight.

I will be joining in, but more likely later in the month...

That will be great, Darren. I won't give away spoilers and will refrain from adding too much until you join in.

Yukio Mishima seems to have been quite a traditionalist, wanting the Emperor to regain power.

Chapter 9:
Iinuma could be an autobiographical character, perhaps. He's so traditional and believes that the "great and shining age of gods and heroes passed away with the Meiji Emperor".

It's sad that Yukio Mishima ended his life with seppuku. I know nothing of this man's life and this ending just seems sad.

I finished this book today.

Darren and Erin, I look forward to a discussion when you've read it.

This is a very interesting story and I will be continuing with the tetralogy. There are a number of levels one can read the story at. It's a love story, It's a story of Japanese culture & history. It looks deep into the human psyche and nature. There's friendship, deception, blackmail, misunderstandings (of self and others).
It's a complete mix of elements that blend together so well.
The writing is beautiful. There's lovely descriptions, zen moments of insight and rest.
It all comes together well.

I'm looking forward to discussing with you both (and anyone else who joins in).

I am off for Easter cottage break with family tomorrow and Spring Snow is top of my holiday reading!

Darren, enjoy the family time. A cottage break sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you have great weather.

I am about 2/3 way through
enjoying it (mostly)
very well written
but not engaging much with the characters
am however interested to see how the Kiyoaki/Satoko story turns out...

Just saw your post, Darren. Sorry to be so long in replying.

I enjoyed the novel for what it was and agree with you about being detached from the characters. I think, for me, part of it was not knowing the customs of Japan. Many of the actions of the characters seem based on a cultural class status.
Kiyoaki is such a ditz. He's spoiled and has been raised to believe in a system that doesn't seem to exist anymore. He's having trouble adapting to a "new Japan". At least, that's the impression I got. He isn't honest with himself somehow and that has clouded everything.

It is a slow moving story but very well written.