Plot Summary

The Sound of Waves

Yukio Mishima
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The Sound of Waves

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1954

Book Brief

Yukio Mishima

The Sound of Waves

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1954
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Uta-Jima, Japan • 1950s

Publication Year

1954

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In Yukio Mishima's novel The Sound of Waves, a young fisherman named Shinji falls in love with Hatsue, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy ship owner. Despite societal and familial barriers, their love persists, highlighting themes of first love, personal growth, and the transcendence of social class differences. The story culminates in Shinji's bravery during a storm, influencing Hatsue's father to accept their union.

Serene

Romantic

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

21,378 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima is widely praised for its lyrical prose and evocative depiction of rural Japan. The coming-of-age love story is touching, though some readers find the plot predictable and the characters lacking depth. Overall, the novel's enchanting atmosphere and cultural insights are highly appreciated.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sound of Waves?

Readers who appreciate Yukio Mishima’s The Sound of Waves are drawn to evocative storytelling, romantic themes, and cultural settings. Fans of The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway and Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse will enjoy the novel's exploration of human emotion and natural beauty in a coastal Japanese village.

4.1

21,378 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Uta-Jima, Japan • 1950s

Publication Year

1954

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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