Yukio Mishima's Temple of the Golden Pavilion



I've just finished reading this novel for the first time. It's very good though not as 'direct line' as some of Mishima's shorter novels; and it's written in the first person narration which is different again. It's a fascinating insight into what, I guess, we call neuroticism, per se; but really also into the human condition in terms of why it's so easy in every generation for wars to happen. It's a good study of the deep desire to find meaning within neurosis and then to find meaning in the overthrowing of all its causal indices, in pursuit of a kind of apolitical apocalyptic liberty.


He's a great writer, for sure. That he lived at all is remarkable, that he wrote so damn well is an enormous gift. He writes of things few other writers do and with an acuity and detail that is really astounding. He illustrates the powerful rage and lust to otherthrow the binding immoral ordinary and in this way does give insights as much into what is currently called factional terrorism and also the neurosis bordering upon real psychosis that keeps leading America, and the UK and various satllites like Australia, so willingly into profoundly destructive conflicts; seeking meaning in hubris and in the deaths of Iraqis, Afghanis etc and all under the pretext of that notional liberty and the sick righteousness of these current Dark Ages.