Discover books similar to "The Decay of the Angel"
Yukio Mishima
The Decay of the Angel
4.13
"The Decay of the Angel" is the final novel in Yukio Mishima's acclaimed "Sea of Fertility" tetralogy. Published in 1971, the novel explores themes of beauty, decay, and the transience of life. The story follows the life of a young man named Honda, who first appeared as a child in the previous novel, "Runaway Horses." Now middle-aged, Honda has become a wealthy and respected judge. One day, he encounters a mysterious and androgynous young man named Tōru, who bears a striking resemblance to the long-dead protagonist of the first novel, Kiyoaki. Honda becomes obsessed with Tōru, adopting him as his protege and heir, and the two embark on a series of travels and adventures. However, as Tōru's true nature becomes clear, Honda is forced to confront the darker aspects of his own character and the consequences of his actions. Mishima's prose is as elegant and precise as ever, and the novel is imbued with a sense of melancholy and impending doom. The character of Tōru is a fascinating and enigmatic figure, at once alluring and repellent, and the relationship between him and Honda is complex and deeply troubling. "The Decay of the Angel" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and a fitting conclusion to Mishima's epic series. It is a novel that will linger in the mind long after the final page has been turned. Overall, "The Decay of the Angel" is a must-read for fans of Mishima's work, as well as for anyone interested in Japanese literature or the human condition. Its exploration of beauty, decay, and the transience of life is as relevant today as it was when the novel was first published...
List of books similar to "The Decay of the Angel":
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For fans of family sagas and nuanced character studies, 'The Makioka Sisters' by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki is a masterful exploration of the lives of four sisters from a once-prominent family, as they navigate the changing social and political landscape of Japan in the years leading up to World War II.
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If you enjoyed 'The Decay of the Angel', you may want to explore more of Yukio Mishima's work. 'Spring Snow' is the first novel in Mishima's tetralogy 'The Sea of Fertility' and is a powerful exploration of love, death, and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of early 20th century Japan.
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