Worth battling through the awful narration

I liked the story. It is a combination of a realistic depiction of island life in post war japan, and a pleasing though slightly corny story. How on earth they got such an awful narrator, I cannot imagine. He pronounces "buoy" to rhyme with gooey or Louis, which is unfortunate since it is an important word, repeated many times. Wasn't there an editor around to notice this? But it is the cadence that is so awful. I didn't pick it up from the sample but after half an hour I couldn't stand it and had to increase speed to 1.10 x which made it just bearable.

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Through That Perilous Night

I'm more and more impressed with Mishima. The two works I've now had the pleasure to acquaint with, "The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with" and now this, are singular achievements, Mishima's prose full of power, beauty and life. I'm going to visit the golden pavilion first before embarking on a journey to the sea of fertility. I can't wait.

"The Sound of Waves" is a coming-of-age story, a "Romeo and Juliet" of forbidden love, a social study of a closed island community like Imamura's brilliant epic "Profound Desires of the Gods," a predestined Greek tragedy with the interference of the deus ex machina, and ultimately a very strong statement of Mishima's acute sense for the artful. His descriptions are alive with feeling for that which can be touched and that which can only be dreamed in silence; the characters are formed with broad brushstrokes, and come to life first as if from afar, then more and more in detail. And, it's as if Mishima wanted to show that once in a while, there is love and contentment, and happiness.

It's not easy to write economically and with clarity. It's always easier to wander off a bit on the way instead of going straight ahead. Mishima certainly knows how, and that's what brings such an edge to his writing. This is an author who seems to know what he's saying and why, a rare gift indeed.

And to think I've yet said nothing in praise of Brian Nishii. He's utterly perfect, both here and in "The Sailor". What else is there to say other than that if this man ever recorded any phone book he wished, I'd used one of my credits to listen to it. And I just realized he's recorded Kawabata, too!

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5 people found this helpful

Bad narration

The story seemed beautiful. Unfortunately it was a struggle listening to this, because the reader isnt capable to create the atmosphere need it for this kind of story. He reads like it is treasure island or the book of five rings. No matter what happens in the scene, he reads it the same. Its like the words dont matter.

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2 people found this helpful

Beautiful

Beautiful book, well read....its very tender, profound and real. As a work of art it is of the highest order and fascinating if you want to know how the japanese life is. Thankyou mishima x

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1 person found this helpful

A gem

What did you like most about The Sound of Waves?

This is a gentle story of integrity and redemption set in an island community in Japan.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Shinji is a young and dignified character. His loyalty to his love, and hers to him, shows the commitment of two people who live for each other.

What about Brian Nishii’s performance did you like?

The narrator's performance was understated and perfect for the requirements of the novel.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The restraint, dignity and fidelity of the characters shows the courage of the human soul enduring the difficulties of human life and love.

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