Beauty and Sadness is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and artistic obsession by Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata. The novel follows Oki, a middle-aged writer, who seeks out his former lover, Otoko, many years after their affair. Otoko is now an accomplished painter, and the two are brought together again, along with her protégé, who harbors dark desires. Kawabata’s delicate prose paints a poignant picture of the ways in which beauty and sadness intertwine in life and art.
Why read this book
- Kawabata’s subtle, lyrical prose captures deep emotional complexity.
- Explores themes of unrequited love, memory, and revenge.
- A beautifully crafted narrative that meditates on art and human relationships.
- Offers insight into Japanese culture, aesthetics, and the human condition.
- A compelling read for those interested in introspective and psychological fiction.
About the Author
Yasunari Kawabata (1899–1972) was a Japanese novelist and short story writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968. He is known for his masterful portrayal of emotions and the delicate, often melancholy beauty of his prose. His major works include Snow Country, Thousand Cranes, and The Sound of the Mountain. Kawabata’s style blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern narrative techniques.
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