This is a story of Japanese romance, set in a small fishing village. The story revolves around the life of a fisherman named Shinji who lives with his mother, a pearl diver. Together they support their family's needs since their father was killed during the war. Shinji falls in love with Hatsue, who is also a pearl diver. However, her father is looking for a son to adopt and marry Hatsue. Shinji must prove himself to win her hand in marriage. In the story, other characters are jealous and try to foil Shinji's plan, and there are also elements of nature to conquer. The significance of the island's lighthouse, a beacon of hope and courage for ships at sea, can be compared to how Shinji believed he would win the hand of Hatsue. The lighthouse scene at the story's end is my favorite part, but I don't want to spoil anything for future readers.
I would like to mention that this book was discussed in the “Reading Trap” (Traphill Branch Library’s book club) and received positive reviews from other members. Since the group started meeting at noon, we have made it a tradition to bring food that complements our book club discussions. While discussing the book "The Sound of Waves," we had a menu consisting of sushi, potstickers, rice, and miso butter cookies.
Studying the author is just as fascinating as reading the book. I also loved the poetic sound of Mishima’s descriptions. --The night sky was filled with stars and, as for clouds, they were only a low bank stretching across the horizon in the direction of the Chita Peninsula through which soundless lightning ran from time to time. Nor was the sound of waves strong, but coming regularly and peacefully, as though the sea were breathing in healthy slumber.
We also watched the movie "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters" with the library's film club. The film was released in 1985 and directed by George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. This biopic follows Mishima’s life, one of the most celebrated Japanese authors who was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize four times throughout his life. Mishima believed in fitness and keeping the body beautiful. He also believed in death at the height of beauty. This eccentric philosophy was part of the cause of his self-inflicted death on November 25, 1970. He had planned a ritual suicide, known in Japan as seppuku for over a year. In post-war Japan, the Emperor’s power was removed, and he did not make decisions for the country anymore. Mishima wanted to organize the Japanese Army to stage a coup d'état in hopes of restoring power to the emperor. Mishima's death was a symbolic act of protest for a situation he believed was corrupt. He thought that through death, he would be reborn to serve the emperor seven times over.
Please take note of our selection for February, which is a nonfiction book set in Paris, France, written by Thad Carhart, titled "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank". As part of our library's "Keeping it Reel" selection, we are planning to show a film that complements the book. Join us for a free film screening of "Piano in a Factory" at Two Rivers Cinema on February 3 at 1:00 p.m. Additionally, on February 8, visit Traphill Branch Library at noon for a conversation about the book and movie. There will be delicious French cuisine available, so don't miss out!