The Sound of Waves

The Sound of Waves (1954) is a Japanese novel written by celebrated Japanese post-war author Yukio Mishima. It is a coming of age novel detailing the maturity of protagonist Shinji, a poor fisherman on the remote island of Uta-jima, and his romance with Hatsue, the beautiful daughter of the wealthy ship-owner Terukichi. However, the arrogant and selfish admirer of Hatsue, Yasuo, spreads vicious rumors about Shinji which result in his being banned from seeing Hatsue. As a test to find which of the boys is most suitable for his daughter, Terukichi employs them both on one of his shipping vessels. When the vessel is caught in a storm, Shinji?s courage and willpower allow him to brave the storm and save the ship, earning Terukichi?s respect and permission to wed his daughter.

Related Topics:
1954 - Japan - Yukio Mishima - Protagonist

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For this book Mishima was awarded the Shincho Prize from Shinchosha Publishing in 1954. It was adapted to film on five separate occasions.

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