A haunting novella of fame and disillusionment by a Japanese literary icon All eyes are upon Rikio. And he likes it, mostly. His fans cheer from a roped-off section, screaming and yelling to attract his attention. They would kill for a moment alone with him. Finally the director sets up the shot, the camera begins to roll, someone yells "action"; Rikio, for a moment, transforms into another being, a hardened young yakuza, but as soon as the shot is finished, he slumps back into his own anxieties and obsessions. Written shortly after Yukio Mishima himself had acted in the film Afraid to Die, this novella is a rich and unflinching psychological portrait of a celebrity coming apart at the seams as the absurdity of his existence comes sharply into focus. With exquisite, vivid prose, Star begs the question: is there ever any escape from how we are seen by others?
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.
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