Voices of the Fallen Heroes
And Other Stories
(Author) Yukio Mishima'These stories are waves of fury, desire and delicious cruelty, always kissed by beauty and death' Mariana Enríquez A new selection of lyrically haunting 1960s short stories, from a Japanese literary icon A writer is seized by apocalyptic visions, a trio of beatniks dance to modern jazz in the ruins of an abandoned church, and a séance brings forth the reproachful spirits of the military dead. In Voices of the Fallen Heroes, stark autobiography contrasts with pure horror, and the tenderness of first love cedes to obsession, heartbreak and deathly beauty. In one tale, Mishima recounts the true story of the time a deranged fan broke into his home at dawn. Elsewhere, a beautiful youth achieves eternal life through violent murder, and an ill-matched couple seal their fate with a pack of cards, tangled in the web of time and unfulfilled desire. Available in English for the first time, and carefully selected by expert translators, these captivating stories are the perfect introduction to Mishima's work, on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Yukio Mishima
Yukio Mishima was a Japanese author, playwright, and nationalist. Known for his intense and controversial works, Mishima explored themes of death, sexuality, and the clash between traditional and modern values. His most notable works include "Confessions of a Mask," "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion," and "The Sea of Fertility tetralogy." Mishima's writing style is characterized by its poetic prose and vivid imagery. He is considered one of Japan's most important and influential writers, and his works continue to be studied and celebrated worldwide. Mishima's most famous work is "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion," which tells the story of a young acolyte who becomes obsessed with destroying a beautiful temple. His legacy continues to inspire and provoke readers with its complex exploration of identity and morality.