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Title: haunting
Review: I just finished this first novel in the series. This is so much more than a tragic story of star-crossed lovers. Mishima evokes an astonishingly vivid Japan of the early 20th century. I simply don't know enough about Japan's history and culture to know if the general setting is historically accurate, but if it isn't he has created a rich, complex world of great beauty tinged with sadness. This is one of those rare books where I will catch myself thinking about the characters as if they were people I know. His descriptions at times border on poetry even in translation. I think that Mishima was facinated by the idea of karma, how actions plant seeds which eventually blossum into effect. I think this accounts for having his characters almost stop the action in places to discuss Buddhist philosophy (which also lets the reader in on how the story will unfold). I am starting Runaway Horses and looking forward to meeting Kiyoaki in his next incarnation. Will he see Satoko again?
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