Original language:
Japanese Translated from: Russian
Authors: Kawabata, Yasunari
Translated by: Mickienė, Aldona
Published in: Vilnius
Published on: 1983
Publisher: Vaga
The beginning of the story takes us to the 62nd summer of Shingo Ogata. The main character Shingo Ogata with his family (wife Yasuka, son Shuichi, daughter in law Kikuka) lives in the city of Kamakura. And even though this family seems happy it is only a temporary illusion. Soon we find out that Shuichi is cheating on his wife Kikuka and Shingo has already begun to experience temporary lapses of memory. The depressing memories and disturbing dreams can‘t seem to leave the aging hero alone. And when Shingo finally starts to get used to his vivid dreams one night he is woken up and hears the sound of the mountain. Which he later on takes as an omen of his impending death. Not long after the incident, Shingo’s married daughter Fusaka comes back barging in into his life. By only carrying and old Furoshike and her daughters she is here to stay. Shingo realizes that his past actions are to be blamed, and perceives the difficulties of his adult children to be the fruit of his poor parenting. And even though he‘s struggling to bring happiness to his family, he can never forget the face of Yasuka’s dead sister whom he still loves truly.
Like in his other novels, “The Sound of the Mountain” has a slow paced plot and not much is happening. Yet this lack of action is skilfully replaced by astonishing attention to details. In Kawabata’s novel everything is equally important. The blooming sunflowers along the pavement are just as important as the blossoming of the plum tree. The return of a kite is just as important as a return of their daughter.
In 1968 Yasunari Kawabata was recognized for his outstanding works and had been given the Nobel prize in literature. Thus becoming the first person in Japan to receive this type of an award. In his works Kawabata likes to analyse the morals of his character. Whilst creating inner monologues the author skilfully shows both the emotional state of the character and his relationships with the society. It is also worth mentioning that symbolism and the humanly bond with nature is significant in his works. As time went by Yasunari Kawabata‘s novels had a big impact of what we call the classics of Japanese literature today. Moreover his works can not only stand in the context of classical literature but it most can enrich it.