Thirst for Love [Paperback]

Yukio Mishima (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 22, 1999

After the early death of her philandering husband, Etsuko moves into her father-in-law's house, where she numbly submits to the old man's advances. But soon she finds herself in love with the young servant Saburo. Tormented by his indifference, yet invigorated by her desire, she makes her move, with catastrophic consequences.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Published in the United States during the 1960s but written years earlier, this Mishima trio, while vastly different in plot, all sport the common theme of idealism destroyed by reality. Nearly three decades after his death, Mishima continues to be a compelling novelist. (LJ 1/15/63, LJ 3/15/68, LJ 9/1/69)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Japan's foremost man of letters Spectator --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; 1st Vintage International ed edition (February 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375705074
• ISBN-13: 978-0375705076
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #449,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting is a good description..., July 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Thirst for Love (Paperback)

The intensity of the jealousies and frustrations simmering under the surface of this superficially simple story explodes in the last few pages in a way which is surprising and shocking enough to linger in the memory.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Restrained elegance, November 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Thirst for Love (Paperback)

One of Mishima's more restrained works, "Thirst for Love" has a quiet elegance. As we follow the narrator down her lonely and doomed path, it is clear that we are in the hands of a skilled storyteller.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ., October 10, 1999

By 

777 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thirst for Love (Paperback)

Mishima is a fascinating and intoxicating author to me, but I felt a little disappointed with Thirst for Love after having read the Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea. It seems less focused somehow; I found certain segments a bit dull and the end somewhat dissatisfying (not just because it wasn't "happy.") But, those are just the cons -- I still think this is quite a book. Etsuko's psychology is fascinating, and there are some great moments. Quality, unconventional stuff.