Plot Summary

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea

Yukio Mishima
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The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1963

Book Brief

Yukio Mishima

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1963
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Yokohama, Japan • 1960s

Publication Year

1963

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima follows thirteen-year-old Noboru Kuroda and sailor Ryuji Tsukazaki, who falls in love with Noboru's mother and gives up his sea-faring life. Set in Yokohama, Japan, the novel explores themes of glory, alienation, and nihilism as Noboru's fascination with Ryuji turns dark when Ryuji sacrifices his dreams. This book includes scenes involving animal cruelty, voyeurism, and discussions of nihilism.

Dark

Mysterious

Unnerving

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

44,098 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Yukio Mishima's The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea is praised for its rich, vivid prose and its exploration of existential themes and societal disillusionment. Critics commend Mishima's ability to delve into the psyche of his characters, though some have noted the novel's disturbing content and moral ambiguity as potential drawbacks. Overall, it is a compelling, thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea?

Readers who enjoy dark psychological drama and philosophical themes would appreciate Yukio Mishima's The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea. Fans of William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Albert Camus' The Stranger will find the novel's exploration of existentialism and moral ambiguity compelling. Suitable for those interested in Japanese literature and post-war existentialism.

4.1

44,098 ratings

68%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Yokohama, Japan • 1960s

Publication Year

1963

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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