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reila's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"A man capable of love, or I should say rather a man who was by nature incapable of not loving; but a man who could not wholeheartedly accept the love of another--such a one was Sensei." p.12
A university student comes across an older gent---a prickly and mysterious man. The narrator's curiosity (and ideas) about Sensei make it a formative summer, becoming a secondary father figure (and someone to impress).
"I learned to judge others harshly, but not myself. I thought that, in the midst of a corrupt world, I had managed to remain virtuous." p.238
Masculine loneliness, self-centeredness, and (old-fashioned) misogyny; women are seen an object of contempt, but also a pure ideal removed from the "sins" of man.
...true love is not so far removed from religious faith. Whenever I saw Ojosan's face I felt that I had myself become beautiful. Whenever I thought of her, I felt a new sense of dignity welling up inside me. If this incomprehensible thing that we call love can either bring out the sacred in man or, in it's lowest form, merely excite one's bodily passions, then surely my love was of the highest kind. I am not saying that I was not like other men. I am made of flesh too. But my eyes which gazed at her, and my mind which held thoughts of her, were innocent of bodily desire." p.155
Loneliness, compounded by guilt and resignation from one's self-induced punishment, is a hell of a drug. Voluntarily isolating yourself and not owning up to your actions have long-lasting consequences; lessons from young to old in a transitionary time. There are plenty of insightful bits scattered throughout all three parts.
"I have decided that no matter how many books I may read, I shall never be a very much better man that I am now."
"I used to consider it a disgrace to be found ignorant by other people. But now, I find that I am not ashamed of knowing less than others, and I am less inclined to force myself to read books. In short, I have grown old and decrepit." p.54
"When a man dies suddenly, his estate causes more trouble than anything else." p.60
Note to self: get started on a last will and testament.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny and Medical content
katievh's review
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, and Terminal illness
Minor: Death of parent, Misogyny, Medical content, and Classism
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